In Brief
A pharmaceutical factory explosion in Gurgaon caused smoke to spread, triggering a stampede in which seven workers died. The State prosecuted the company directors for murder under Section 302 IPC. The High Court altered the charge to Section 304A IPC (death by negligence). The Supreme Court upheld this alteration, holding that the facts—a negligently-caused stampede rather than intentional killing—justified the lesser charge. The Court directed the trial judge to complete proceedings within one year, noting that the judge retained independent power to adjust charges as evidence warranted.
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