Supreme Court Reduces Dundappa’s Sentence to Time Served, Directs Rs. 10 Lakh Compensation to Victim’s Family.


23 September 2025 Rash driving or riding on a public way >> Criminal Law  

The Supreme Court of India has cut short the sentence given to Dundappa, who was convicted for rash and negligent driving causing death, to the time already served in custody. The Court also ordered Rs. 10 lakh, which had been deposited by the appellant earlier, to be paid to the victim's father as compensation.

A Bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice S.V.N. Bhatti was considering an appeal against the order of the Karnataka High Court dated March 6, 2025. The High Court had maintained Dundappa's conviction under Sections 279, 337, 338, and 304A of the Indian Penal Code, bringing down his sentence of one year to six months simple imprisonment while increasing the fine from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 25,000.


 

 
 
 

In the Supreme Court, the appellant submitted that the accident was not entirely his fault and that imprisonment would be useless as he had already deposited Rs. 10 lakh to show his bona fides. The complainant, subsequently impleaded as respondent, indicated readiness to settle the deposited amount in full and final settlement.

Noting these facts, the top court decided that an additional jail term was not warranted. It directed Dundappa's release forthwith on the condition that he is not needed in any other case, and instructed that the Rs. 10 lakh fixed deposit and interest accrued thereon be deposited into the complainant's bank account within two weeks.

With these orders, the appeal and pending applications stood disposed of.


Section 279., Indian Penal Code - 1860  

Section 304A., Indian Penal Code - 1860  

Section 337., Indian Penal Code - 1860  

Section 338., Indian Penal Code - 1860  

Indian Penal Code, 1860