In Brief
In 1989, seven accused men in Madhya Pradesh attacked six people with sticks and bladed weapons over a buffalo tail dispute. One victim, Laxman, died 15 days later from asphyxia. The trial court convicted all for murder (Section 302) read with Section 149; the High Court reduced it to causing death by negligence (Section 304). The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's judgment, finding that medical evidence did not establish the injuries caused the death, and that the respondents likely intended only grievous hurt (Section 325). Given the 36-year delay since the incident, the accused's age (70–80 years), and minimal time served (3–4 months on bail), the Court found no grounds to interfere with the High Court's decision to release them on time served and fine."
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