In Brief
The appellants challenged their conviction for murder (Sections 302, 149, 120B IPC) of two prominent BJP members (Manicka Nadar and Selvaraj) in a politically motivated killing in Dindigul in January 1997. The High Court upheld their conviction based on eyewitness testimony (PWs 2, 3, 4) and corroborating evidence of conspiracy. The Supreme Court held that in criminal appeals under Article 136, it does not reappraise evidence unless findings are manifestly perverse. The concurrent findings of guilt by trial and High Court courts, supported by reliable witness testimony and reasonable explanation for delayed statements due to communal tension, required no interference. The appeal was dismissed.
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