In Brief
The State of Madhya Pradesh appealed against the High Court's order reducing the sentence of a man convicted under Section 326 IPC (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) to time already served, with an enhanced fine of Rs. 4,000. The incident occurred in 1984. The respondent, a coolie with two daughters, claimed inability to pay additional fine but offered to work and earn money to pay it. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, declining to interfere despite reservations about the High Court's handling, given the respondent's personal circumstances, long delay, minimal actual imprisonment (17 days), absence of other criminal cases, and genuine willingness to comply with financial orders.
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