In Brief
The appellant was convicted of murder under Section 302 IPC for delivering a single blow to the deceased's head with a wooden log, causing fatal injuries including a skull fracture and subdural haematome. The Supreme Court found that despite the fatal nature of the injuries, the single blow to a vital part—with the appellant refraining from inflicting further injury despite opportunities—indicated lack of premeditation and intent to kill. The Court converted the conviction to culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304 Part I IPC. Given the appellant's nine years of custody, the Court set the sentence as the period already served and ordered immediate release unless required in another case.
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