In Brief
Mariappan was convicted of murder (Section 302 IPC) by the Trial Court and High Court for stabbing Kolandaippam during a confrontation over a disputed land. The Supreme Court, examining the circumstances, found the killing occurred suddenly during a heated verbal quarrel without premeditation. The Court held that although the act caused death, it fell within Exception 4 to Section 300 IPC (sudden fight in heat of passion without undue advantage), constituting culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The conviction was reduced from Section 302 to Section 304 Part I, with sentence reduced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine.
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