NANU Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) PETITIONER was found guilty of offence under S.307, I.P.C. and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for three years by the Additional Assistant Sessions Judge. On appeal, conviction was confirmed by Additional Sessions Judge, Kottayam Division, but sentence was reduced to rigorous imprisonment for eighteen months-perhaps, in a mood of benevolence. No reasons are stated, nor discernible.

(2.) P.W.1, a young lady was Dietitian in the M.G.D.M. Hospital, and petitioner a cook (under suspension) in the canteen of the hospital. At or about 4. P.M. on 19-3-1984, petitioner entered the room where P.W.I was sitting and asked her why he was being sent out, and why he was not given free medical chit. She replied that it was not for her to reinstate him, and upon this, petitioner stabbed her, causing as many as 24 injuries, including 22 incised wounds, a punctured wound and a tear as seen from P.5. Certificate issued by P.W.6. Apparently petitioner was armed with a knife, when he went to meet P.W.1. P.W.1 was almost butchered and disfigured she survived, it were, by a miracle. Radhakrishnan (P.W.3), Dr. Titus (P.W.4) and Dr. Ivan made a valiant effort to serve P.W.1 and disarm petitioner. Acting on prosecution evidence, petitioner was convicted-rightly-for. the offence under S.307. Conviction cannot be assailed.

(3.) COUNSEL of the Supreme Court of India must be borne in mind: