The Kerala High Court has firmly upheld a life imprisonment sentence for a man convicted of murdering a 19-year-old youth. This tragic incident stemmed from a dispute over a mere Rs 100 debt. The court dismissed the convict's appeal against his conviction.
Court Rejects Appeal, Cites Overwhelming Evidence
A bench comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar delivered the ruling. They observed that overwhelming evidence proved the motive behind the crime. The bench noted that in such cases, where direct evidence clearly shows injury infliction and resulting death, the presence or absence of motive becomes less significant.
The court stated, "There is overwhelming evidence to prove the motive for the alleged commission of the crime. In a case of this nature, where there is sufficient direct evidence as to the infliction of injury and the death ensued, the presence or absence of motive is not much significant."
Details of the Fatal Incident
The prosecution presented a clear case. In 2012, the victim was conversing with friends when the accused attacked him. The assailant used a broken metallic handle from a ladle to stab the youth in the back.
This violent act resulted from animosity over the non-repayment of a borrowed sum of Rs 100. Despite immediate medical attention and transfer to multiple hospitals, the victim succumbed to his injuries the following morning.
Court's Analysis and Findings
The High Court conducted a thorough analysis of the evidence. This included both oral testimonies and documentary proof. The prosecution successfully discharged its burden, proving the charge against the accused beyond reasonable doubt.
Medical evidence established that the penetrating stab injury to the back was sufficient to cause death in the ordinary course of nature. Eye witnesses provided clear accounts. They testified that the accused, angered by the unpaid debt, abused, assaulted, and inflicted the fatal stab wound on the deceased.
The court was not impressed by arguments from the Legal Aid Counsel. Counsel had suggested discrepancies in the weapon description were fatal to the prosecution's case. The bench dismissed this contention.
Understanding Motive in Criminal Law
The judgment elaborated on the concept of motive. Motive is the emotion that impels a person to commit a particular act. The court emphasized that such impelling causes need not be proportionally grave to the crime committed.
Time and again, the Supreme Court has observed that defective investigation alone is not grounds for acquittal. This holds true if the evidence presented by the prosecution inspires the court's confidence.
Original Trial Court Decision
The trial court had previously convicted the accused. It sentenced him to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 3 lakh. The court directed that this fine amount be paid as compensation to the victim's mother.
The High Court's ruling reinforces the trial court's conclusion. It affirms that the victim's death was homicidal and the conviction stands firm.
