Supreme Court Modifies Sentence and Orders Compensation in Road Accident Case.
10 December 2024
Criminal Appeals & Suspension of Sentence >> Criminal Law | Rash driving or riding on a public way >> Criminal Law
The appeal of Muthupandi v/s State Through The Inspector Of Police, Nilakottai Station, Dindigul., concerns the conviction and sentencing of the appellant for offences under Sections 279 and 304(A) of the Indian Penal Code, following an incident on 09.01.2013, where the appellant's rash driving caused the death of a person named Karthik and six cows. The trial court imposed fines and a one-year prison sentence, which was confirmed by the appellate court. The High Court revised the sentence to three months of simple imprisonment.
The appellant challenged the judgment, seeking relief. During the proceedings, the appellant offered to deposit Rs. 1,00,000 as compensation to the deceased's kin, which was accepted. The amount was deposited in a fixed deposit, but the legal representatives of the deceased did not appear to claim it.
The Supreme Court upheld the conviction but modified the sentence. The appellant's fines were waived, and the compensation amount of Rs. 1,00,000, along with accrued interest, was ordered to be paid to the mother of the deceased. The Principal District and Sessions Judge in Dindigul will oversee the release of the amount after verifying the identity of the deceased's mother.
Section 279., Indian Penal Code - 1860
Section 304A., Indian Penal Code - 1860