In Brief
Four men were acquitted of charges under IPC Sections 307, 323, 324 and 504 for allegedly attacking a man with an axe in 1998. The High Court reversed the acquittal, convicted all four, and sentenced them to multiple years of imprisonment and fines. Before the Supreme Court, the appellants challenged the convictions. The Court found that although the evidence supported conviction of three appellants, justice required reduction of jail terms to time already served (about one year) given the 20-year litigation delay, non-serious nature of injuries, victim's full recovery, and appellants' clean records. The fourth appellant's conviction was set aside entirely. Fine amounts were substantially enhanced to Rs.75,000 each as restitution, with imprisonment to revive upon non-payment.
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