In Brief
The State of Rajasthan appealed the acquittal of ten accused by the High Court who had assaulted a man in the middle of the night with lathis and sharp weapons, causing multiple severe injuries including a fatal head wound. The High Court acquitted them, finding no specific injury could be attributed to any individual accused. The Supreme Court held that all ten, having participated in the unlawful assembly and common assault, were constructively liable under Section 326 read with Section 149 IPC for grievous injuries, despite inability to trace each injury to a particular person. The Court sentenced each to seven years imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 2,000, considering the gravity of ten armed persons attacking one victim at night.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.