Father Saw Accused Flee With Blade After 15-Year-Old Son Was Fatally Cut: Jharkhand HC Upholds Life Term

On 17 August 2013, the informant’s 15-year-old son was found with serious sharp-force injuries near the family home and later died.

The Sessions Court convicted the appellant under Section 302 IPC and sentenced him to life imprisonment and a fine. He appealed against the conviction and sentence.

The Court applied Section 302 IPC, under which a person who commits murder is liable to the prescribed punishment.

It assessed whether the prosecution had proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt, considering witness testimony alongside medical evidence.

The Court accepted that the informant came outside after hearing a commotion and did not describe witnessing the blows being inflicted. It nevertheless relied on his testimony that he saw the appellant fleeing with a dawli immediately after the assault, together with P.W.4’s evidence that he saw the appellant flee with the weapon.

The Court found this evidence unrebutted and considered the injuries described by witnesses consistent with the doctor’s evidence of injuries caused by a heavy, sharp-cutting weapon. It also noted that the defence’s suggested motive was admitted during cross-examination and that the appellant gave no reasonable explanation for the incriminating circumstances.

It dismissed the appeal, directed that a copy of the judgment be furnished to the appellant, and disposed of any pending applications.