In Brief
In this criminal appeal, the State of Rajasthan challenged the High Court's reduction of the accused persons' conviction from murder (Section 302 IPC) to death by negligence (Section 304-II IPC). Four men had assaulted a victim with lathis at night, causing 33 injuries including fatal head and lung injuries. The Supreme Court held the High Court erred in applying Section 304-II. Since the four accused jointly inflicted an indiscriminate, merciless assault that caused numerous fatal injuries, they should be convicted under Section 304-I (rash act causing death). The Court enhanced their sentence to eight years rigorous imprisonment plus Rs. 25,000 fine each, payable as compensation to the victim's heirs.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.