In Brief
Two men were convicted in 2012 for a violent assault during a sports dispute that resulted in the victim's hand and fingers being severed. Murali was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for causing hurt with a dangerous weapon; Rajavelu received five years for attempted murder. Both convictions were upheld on appeal. However, fifteen years later, the parties settled amicably with the victim forgiving the appellants. The Supreme Court held that while non-compoundable offences cannot be formally compounded, amicable settlement is a material factor in reducing sentence. The Court reduced both sentences to time already served, emphasizing the passage of time, appellants' young age at the incident, lack of criminal history, and their status as sole breadwinners with families.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.