Sec.323,325, 326, 307 of I.P.C. -Non - Production of Offensive Weapons - it's Effects = unless the prosecution produces the stones and establishes that the stones are so deadly as to constitute a deadly weapon, the offence u/s.326 IPC could not be made out. Admittedly, neither the stones nor the iron rods were seized by police. I, therefore, have no hesitation to agree with the contention of the learned counsel for the accused that the prosecution failed to establish that the accused used deadly weapons in causing injuries. Once deadly weapons are ruled out, the accused cannot be convicted for the offence under Sections 324 and 326 IPC. If the offences against the accused are established, they would become offences under Sections 323 and 325 IPC only. = Duvvur Narayana and 3 others The State of A.P., rep.by its Public Prosecutor,High Court of A.P.,Hyderabad = Reported in http://judis.nic.in/judis_andhra/qrydispfree.aspx?filename=8529
Sec.323,325, 326, 307 of I.P.C. -Non - Production of Offensive Weapons - it's Effects = unless the prosecution produces the stones and establishes that the stones are so deadly as to constitute a deadly weapon, the offence u/s.326 IPC could not be made out.
Admittedly, neither the stones nor the iron rods were seized by police.
I, therefore, have no hesitation to agree with the contention of the learned counsel for the accused that the prosecution failed to establish that the accused used deadly weapons in
causing injuries.
Once deadly weapons are ruled out, the accused cannot be convicted
for the offence under Sections 324 and 326 IPC.
If the offences against the accused are established, they would become offences under Sections 323 and 325 IPC only. =
The most important aspect of the case is the weapon used by the accused.
It is the case of the prosecution that iron rods and stones were used
in causing hurt to PWs.1 and 2.
It may be noticed that the fracture caused to
the left arm of PW.2 was not with an iron rod, but with the help of a stone.
Police, however, neither seized the stones nor the iron rods used by the accused
as weapons.
In respect of stones, Smt. Barkha placed reliance upon Pandurang Dadu Patil v. The State of Maharashtra1.
It was observed in that case:
"14-A.
A perusal of S.326, IPC would show that stone would only fall within its ambit if it is of a size and weight that if "used as a weapon of offence is likely to cause death".
In the instant case, there is no evidence to indicate that the stones used were so big and heavy that they were likely to cause death."
11. Thus, it is her claim that unless the prosecution produces the stones and establishes that the stones are so deadly as to constitute a deadly weapon, the offence u/s.326 IPC could not be made out.
Admittedly, neither the stones nor the iron rods were seized by police.
I, therefore, have no hesitation to agree with the contention of the learned counsel for the accused
that the prosecution failed to establish that the accused used deadly weapons in
causing injuries.
12. Once deadly weapons are ruled out, the accused cannot be convicted
for the offence under Sections 324 and 326 IPC.
If the offences against the
accused are established, they would become offences under Sections 323 and 325
IPC only.
The
only inconsistency is that the prosecution failed to produce the weapons including stones, so much so, the conviction deserves to be under Sections 323 and 325 IPC and not under Sections 324 and 326 IPC, as the prosecution failed to establish that the deadly weapons were used in attacking PWs.1 and 2. The
conviction recorded by the trial Court and confirmed by the appellate Court consequently deserves to be modified as conviction under Sections 323 and 325 IPC.
THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE K.G. SHANKAR
Crl.R.C.No.1679 of 2005
14.11.2011
Duvvur Narayana and 3 others
The State of A.P., rep.by its Public Prosecutor,High Court of A.P.,Hyderabad
Counsel for the petitioner: Smt. Barkha
Counsel for the Respondents: Public Prosecutor
>Head Note:
? Cases referred:
1. 1997 Crl.L.J. 3827
ORDER:
As many as four accused in S.C.No.248 of 1998 on the file of the Assistant
Sessions Judge, Kadapa are the revision petitioners. Five accused faced trial
before the trial Court. They were charged for the offences under Sections 324,
326, 323, 307 and 307 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC, for
short). The learned trial Judge found A.1 to A.4 guilty of the offence u/s.324
IPC. He also found A.1 guilty of the offence u/s.326 IPC. A.5 was completely
acquitted. A.1 to A.4 were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for a period of
three years for the offence u/s.324 IPC. A.1 was sentenced to rigorous
imprisonment for a period of five years for the offence u/s.326 IPC. A.1 was
further sentenced to a fine of
` 200/- with appropriate default sentence. The sentences imposed against A.1
were directed to run concurrently.
2. The convicted accused preferred appeal before the Sessions Court. The
learned II Additional Sessions Judge, Kadapa, through judgment in Criminal
Appeal No.247 of 2002 confirmed the conviction. He reduced the sentence of
rigorous imprisonment from three years to one year against A.1 to A.4 for the
offence u/s.324 IPC. He also reduced the sentence of A.1 from five years to two
years for the offence u/s.326 IPC. The fine recorded by the trial Court was
maintained in the appeal. Challenging the same, the present revision is laid.
3. Smt. Barkha, learned counsel for the accused-revision petitioners
contended that the prosecution failed to prove that the accused used deadly
weapons and that A.1, therefore, could be convicted for the offence u/s.325 IPC
and not for the offence u/s.326 IPC. She further alleged that A.1 to A.4 could
have been convicted for the offence u/s.323 IPC and not for the offence u/s.324
IPC. Smt. Y. Ratna Prabha, learned Additional Public Prosecutor contended that
the prosecution established its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the
conviction recorded deserves to be maintained.
4. PW.1 is the victim in this case. He originally belonged to Sambatur
village. He migrated to Sivalapalli village of Chennur Mandal. The accused
belong to Sambatur village. One Ramakrishnaiah of Sambatur village requested
PW.1 to act as an elder in the disputes in the Harijanavada of Sambatur village.
The attempts of PW.1 to settle the dispute proved futile. PW.1 took rest in the
house of Ramakrishnaiah at Sambatur village itself on the date on which he
attempted mediation.
5. On the next day morning which was the date of the offence, while PW.1 was
in front of the house of Ramakrishnaiah, the accused came to him in consortium.
The accused were in possession of bombs. They pelted stones at the house of
Ramakrishnaiah. When Ramakrishnaiah escaped from the scene, the accused went
upon PW.1 on the ground that PW.1, who was an outsider, was participating in the
mediation of the disputes of the villagers.
6. Frightened, PW.1 boarded a bus, which was proceeding towards Kamalapuram.
Chasing PW.1, the accused boarded the bus. A.1 administered a blow with a
stick on the head of PW.1 causing injury to the occipital region. A.2 beat PW.1
with a rod on the backside of PW.1. A.5 instigated others to kill PW.1. He
kicked PW.1. When PW.1 fell down, the accused beat him indiscriminately. The
accused then got down from the bus and went away. PW.1 proceeded in the same
bus to Kamalapuram and lodged a police complaint in Ex.P.1. He was later
treated by the Doctor.
7. PW.1 originally belonged to Sambatur village. He migrated to Sivalapalli.
Ramakrishnaiah, who is now no more, is son-in-law of the younger brother of
PW.2's father-in-law. At about 7 a.m., PW.2 was inside the house. When she
heard cries, which was the alarm by PW.1, she went outside the house and noticed
A.1 to A.4 chasing PW.1 and Ramakrishnaiah. The accused were pelting stones at
them. When the accused noticed PW.2, the accused hurled a stone at PW.2
declaring that she belonged to the group of Ramakrishanaiah. The stone hit the
left wrist of PW.2 resulting in a fracture. A.2 then hurled a stone causing
injury on the left fore arm of PW.2. A.3 beat her with an iron rod on the left
side of her back. A.4 beat her with an iron rod on her right thigh. PW.2
rushed into the house and closed the doors from inside so as to escape further
attack.
8. When PW.1 lodged a compliant with Kamalapuram Police Station, police went
to Sambatur village. Police admitted PW.2 as well as PW.1 in the Government
Hospital, Kamalapuram for treatment.
The doctors found simple injuries upon PW.1, but grievous injury in the shape of
fracture and other simple injuries upon PW.2. This is the prosecution version.
9. The most important aspect of the case is the weapon used by the accused.
It is the case of the prosecution that iron rods and stones were used
in causing hurt to PWs.1 and 2.
It may be noticed that the fracture caused to
the left arm of PW.2 was not with an iron rod, but with the help of a stone.
Police, however, neither seized the stones nor the iron rods used by the accused
as weapons.
In respect of stones, Smt. Barkha placed reliance upon Pandurang Dadu Patil v. The State of Maharashtra1.
It was observed in that case:
"14-A.
A perusal of S.326, IPC would show that stone would only fall within its ambit if it is of a size and weight that if "used as a weapon of offence is likely to cause death".
In the instant case, there is no evidence to indicate that the stones used were so big and heavy that they were likely to cause death."
11. Thus, it is her claim that unless the prosecution produces the stones and establishes that the stones are so deadly as to constitute a deadly weapon, the offence u/s.326 IPC could not be made out.
Admittedly, neither the stones nor the iron rods were seized by police.
I, therefore, have no hesitation to agree with the contention of the learned counsel for the accused
that the prosecution failed to establish that the accused used deadly weapons in
causing injuries.
12. Once deadly weapons are ruled out, the accused cannot be convicted
for the offence under Sections 324 and 326 IPC.
If the offences against the
accused are established, they would become offences under Sections 323 and 325
IPC only.
As rightly submitted by the learned Additional Public Prosecutor, the
evidence of the prosecution witnesses is watertight and corroborates each other.
She submitted that Sambatur village is a faction-ridden village and that it was
not possible to procure independent evidence. She submitted that the prosecution
examined all possible witnesses to prove the case.
13. I am in agreement with the contention of the learned Additional Public
Prosecutor. The two victims and the two Doctors who treated the victims were
examined by the prosecution. Ramakrishaniah could not be examined by the
prosecution because Ramakrishaniah is no more. The prosecution also examined a
resident of Harijanavada, who witnessed the incident as PW.3. He was an
eyewitness for the attack against PW.1. As rightly submitted by the learned
Public Prosecutor, the evidence of these witnesses is highly corroborative of
each other. The evidence of the witnesses does not suffer from any infirmity
and inconsistency. The prosecution thus clearly established the incident.
The
only inconsistency is that the prosecution failed to produce the weapons including stones, so much so, the conviction deserves to be under Sections 323 and 325 IPC and not under Sections 324 and 326 IPC, as the prosecution failed to establish that the deadly weapons were used in attacking PWs.1 and 2. The
conviction recorded by the trial Court and confirmed by the appellate Court consequently deserves to be modified as conviction under Sections 323 and 325 IPC.
14. The learned counsel for the accused submitted that imposition of
rigorous imprisonment for a period of one year for the offence u/s.323 IPC and
two years for the offence u/s.325 IPC is severe and deserves to be modified for
the offence u/s.323 IPC. I consider that fine instead of imprisonment would
meet the ends of justice. I, therefore, deem it appropriate to impose fine of
` 500/- against each of the four accused for the offence u/s.323 IPC, instead of
rigorous imprisonment for a period of one year, as recorded by the appellate
Court.
I also consider that rigorous imprisonment for a period of six months would meet
the ends of justice for the offence u/s.325 IPC subject to the condition that it
should be accompanied by a fine of ` 500/-.
15. Therefore, the conviction recorded by the trial Court and confirmed
by the appellate Court is modified to conviction against A.1 to A.4 for the
offence u/s.323 IPC and against A.1 for the offence u/s.325 IPC. A.1 to A.4 are
sentenced to a fine of ` 500/- each, in default of payment of which, to undergo
simple imprisonment for a period of one month each. A.1 is found guilty of the
offence u/s.325 IPC and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for a period of six
months and fine of
` 500/-, in default of payment of which, to undergo simple imprisonment for
further period of one month. The period of imprisonment already undergone by
A.1 shall be set off u/s.428 Cr.P.C. The fine amount shall be paid by the
accused before the trial Court within 15 days from the date of receipt of a copy
of the judgment by the trial Court. A.1 shall surrender before the trial Court
to undergo remaining part of the sentence, if he has not undergone the sentence
of imprisonment of six months period. The bail bonds of A.2 to A.4 stand
cancelled.
16. The Criminal Revision Case is disposed of accordingly.
________________
K.G. SHANKAR, J
Date: 14.11.2011
Admittedly, neither the stones nor the iron rods were seized by police.
I, therefore, have no hesitation to agree with the contention of the learned counsel for the accused that the prosecution failed to establish that the accused used deadly weapons in
causing injuries.
Once deadly weapons are ruled out, the accused cannot be convicted
for the offence under Sections 324 and 326 IPC.
If the offences against the accused are established, they would become offences under Sections 323 and 325 IPC only. =
The most important aspect of the case is the weapon used by the accused.
It is the case of the prosecution that iron rods and stones were used
in causing hurt to PWs.1 and 2.
It may be noticed that the fracture caused to
the left arm of PW.2 was not with an iron rod, but with the help of a stone.
Police, however, neither seized the stones nor the iron rods used by the accused
as weapons.
In respect of stones, Smt. Barkha placed reliance upon Pandurang Dadu Patil v. The State of Maharashtra1.
It was observed in that case:
"14-A.
A perusal of S.326, IPC would show that stone would only fall within its ambit if it is of a size and weight that if "used as a weapon of offence is likely to cause death".
In the instant case, there is no evidence to indicate that the stones used were so big and heavy that they were likely to cause death."
11. Thus, it is her claim that unless the prosecution produces the stones and establishes that the stones are so deadly as to constitute a deadly weapon, the offence u/s.326 IPC could not be made out.
Admittedly, neither the stones nor the iron rods were seized by police.
I, therefore, have no hesitation to agree with the contention of the learned counsel for the accused
that the prosecution failed to establish that the accused used deadly weapons in
causing injuries.
12. Once deadly weapons are ruled out, the accused cannot be convicted
for the offence under Sections 324 and 326 IPC.
If the offences against the
accused are established, they would become offences under Sections 323 and 325
IPC only.
The
only inconsistency is that the prosecution failed to produce the weapons including stones, so much so, the conviction deserves to be under Sections 323 and 325 IPC and not under Sections 324 and 326 IPC, as the prosecution failed to establish that the deadly weapons were used in attacking PWs.1 and 2. The
conviction recorded by the trial Court and confirmed by the appellate Court consequently deserves to be modified as conviction under Sections 323 and 325 IPC.
THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE K.G. SHANKAR
Crl.R.C.No.1679 of 2005
14.11.2011
Duvvur Narayana and 3 others
The State of A.P., rep.by its Public Prosecutor,High Court of A.P.,Hyderabad
Counsel for the petitioner: Smt. Barkha
Counsel for the Respondents: Public Prosecutor
>Head Note:
? Cases referred:
1. 1997 Crl.L.J. 3827
ORDER:
As many as four accused in S.C.No.248 of 1998 on the file of the Assistant
Sessions Judge, Kadapa are the revision petitioners. Five accused faced trial
before the trial Court. They were charged for the offences under Sections 324,
326, 323, 307 and 307 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC, for
short). The learned trial Judge found A.1 to A.4 guilty of the offence u/s.324
IPC. He also found A.1 guilty of the offence u/s.326 IPC. A.5 was completely
acquitted. A.1 to A.4 were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for a period of
three years for the offence u/s.324 IPC. A.1 was sentenced to rigorous
imprisonment for a period of five years for the offence u/s.326 IPC. A.1 was
further sentenced to a fine of
` 200/- with appropriate default sentence. The sentences imposed against A.1
were directed to run concurrently.
2. The convicted accused preferred appeal before the Sessions Court. The
learned II Additional Sessions Judge, Kadapa, through judgment in Criminal
Appeal No.247 of 2002 confirmed the conviction. He reduced the sentence of
rigorous imprisonment from three years to one year against A.1 to A.4 for the
offence u/s.324 IPC. He also reduced the sentence of A.1 from five years to two
years for the offence u/s.326 IPC. The fine recorded by the trial Court was
maintained in the appeal. Challenging the same, the present revision is laid.
3. Smt. Barkha, learned counsel for the accused-revision petitioners
contended that the prosecution failed to prove that the accused used deadly
weapons and that A.1, therefore, could be convicted for the offence u/s.325 IPC
and not for the offence u/s.326 IPC. She further alleged that A.1 to A.4 could
have been convicted for the offence u/s.323 IPC and not for the offence u/s.324
IPC. Smt. Y. Ratna Prabha, learned Additional Public Prosecutor contended that
the prosecution established its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the
conviction recorded deserves to be maintained.
4. PW.1 is the victim in this case. He originally belonged to Sambatur
village. He migrated to Sivalapalli village of Chennur Mandal. The accused
belong to Sambatur village. One Ramakrishnaiah of Sambatur village requested
PW.1 to act as an elder in the disputes in the Harijanavada of Sambatur village.
The attempts of PW.1 to settle the dispute proved futile. PW.1 took rest in the
house of Ramakrishnaiah at Sambatur village itself on the date on which he
attempted mediation.
5. On the next day morning which was the date of the offence, while PW.1 was
in front of the house of Ramakrishnaiah, the accused came to him in consortium.
The accused were in possession of bombs. They pelted stones at the house of
Ramakrishnaiah. When Ramakrishnaiah escaped from the scene, the accused went
upon PW.1 on the ground that PW.1, who was an outsider, was participating in the
mediation of the disputes of the villagers.
6. Frightened, PW.1 boarded a bus, which was proceeding towards Kamalapuram.
Chasing PW.1, the accused boarded the bus. A.1 administered a blow with a
stick on the head of PW.1 causing injury to the occipital region. A.2 beat PW.1
with a rod on the backside of PW.1. A.5 instigated others to kill PW.1. He
kicked PW.1. When PW.1 fell down, the accused beat him indiscriminately. The
accused then got down from the bus and went away. PW.1 proceeded in the same
bus to Kamalapuram and lodged a police complaint in Ex.P.1. He was later
treated by the Doctor.
7. PW.1 originally belonged to Sambatur village. He migrated to Sivalapalli.
Ramakrishnaiah, who is now no more, is son-in-law of the younger brother of
PW.2's father-in-law. At about 7 a.m., PW.2 was inside the house. When she
heard cries, which was the alarm by PW.1, she went outside the house and noticed
A.1 to A.4 chasing PW.1 and Ramakrishnaiah. The accused were pelting stones at
them. When the accused noticed PW.2, the accused hurled a stone at PW.2
declaring that she belonged to the group of Ramakrishanaiah. The stone hit the
left wrist of PW.2 resulting in a fracture. A.2 then hurled a stone causing
injury on the left fore arm of PW.2. A.3 beat her with an iron rod on the left
side of her back. A.4 beat her with an iron rod on her right thigh. PW.2
rushed into the house and closed the doors from inside so as to escape further
attack.
8. When PW.1 lodged a compliant with Kamalapuram Police Station, police went
to Sambatur village. Police admitted PW.2 as well as PW.1 in the Government
Hospital, Kamalapuram for treatment.
The doctors found simple injuries upon PW.1, but grievous injury in the shape of
fracture and other simple injuries upon PW.2. This is the prosecution version.
9. The most important aspect of the case is the weapon used by the accused.
It is the case of the prosecution that iron rods and stones were used
in causing hurt to PWs.1 and 2.
It may be noticed that the fracture caused to
the left arm of PW.2 was not with an iron rod, but with the help of a stone.
Police, however, neither seized the stones nor the iron rods used by the accused
as weapons.
In respect of stones, Smt. Barkha placed reliance upon Pandurang Dadu Patil v. The State of Maharashtra1.
It was observed in that case:
"14-A.
A perusal of S.326, IPC would show that stone would only fall within its ambit if it is of a size and weight that if "used as a weapon of offence is likely to cause death".
In the instant case, there is no evidence to indicate that the stones used were so big and heavy that they were likely to cause death."
11. Thus, it is her claim that unless the prosecution produces the stones and establishes that the stones are so deadly as to constitute a deadly weapon, the offence u/s.326 IPC could not be made out.
Admittedly, neither the stones nor the iron rods were seized by police.
I, therefore, have no hesitation to agree with the contention of the learned counsel for the accused
that the prosecution failed to establish that the accused used deadly weapons in
causing injuries.
12. Once deadly weapons are ruled out, the accused cannot be convicted
for the offence under Sections 324 and 326 IPC.
If the offences against the
accused are established, they would become offences under Sections 323 and 325
IPC only.
As rightly submitted by the learned Additional Public Prosecutor, the
evidence of the prosecution witnesses is watertight and corroborates each other.
She submitted that Sambatur village is a faction-ridden village and that it was
not possible to procure independent evidence. She submitted that the prosecution
examined all possible witnesses to prove the case.
13. I am in agreement with the contention of the learned Additional Public
Prosecutor. The two victims and the two Doctors who treated the victims were
examined by the prosecution. Ramakrishaniah could not be examined by the
prosecution because Ramakrishaniah is no more. The prosecution also examined a
resident of Harijanavada, who witnessed the incident as PW.3. He was an
eyewitness for the attack against PW.1. As rightly submitted by the learned
Public Prosecutor, the evidence of these witnesses is highly corroborative of
each other. The evidence of the witnesses does not suffer from any infirmity
and inconsistency. The prosecution thus clearly established the incident.
The
only inconsistency is that the prosecution failed to produce the weapons including stones, so much so, the conviction deserves to be under Sections 323 and 325 IPC and not under Sections 324 and 326 IPC, as the prosecution failed to establish that the deadly weapons were used in attacking PWs.1 and 2. The
conviction recorded by the trial Court and confirmed by the appellate Court consequently deserves to be modified as conviction under Sections 323 and 325 IPC.
14. The learned counsel for the accused submitted that imposition of
rigorous imprisonment for a period of one year for the offence u/s.323 IPC and
two years for the offence u/s.325 IPC is severe and deserves to be modified for
the offence u/s.323 IPC. I consider that fine instead of imprisonment would
meet the ends of justice. I, therefore, deem it appropriate to impose fine of
` 500/- against each of the four accused for the offence u/s.323 IPC, instead of
rigorous imprisonment for a period of one year, as recorded by the appellate
Court.
I also consider that rigorous imprisonment for a period of six months would meet
the ends of justice for the offence u/s.325 IPC subject to the condition that it
should be accompanied by a fine of ` 500/-.
15. Therefore, the conviction recorded by the trial Court and confirmed
by the appellate Court is modified to conviction against A.1 to A.4 for the
offence u/s.323 IPC and against A.1 for the offence u/s.325 IPC. A.1 to A.4 are
sentenced to a fine of ` 500/- each, in default of payment of which, to undergo
simple imprisonment for a period of one month each. A.1 is found guilty of the
offence u/s.325 IPC and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for a period of six
months and fine of
` 500/-, in default of payment of which, to undergo simple imprisonment for
further period of one month. The period of imprisonment already undergone by
A.1 shall be set off u/s.428 Cr.P.C. The fine amount shall be paid by the
accused before the trial Court within 15 days from the date of receipt of a copy
of the judgment by the trial Court. A.1 shall surrender before the trial Court
to undergo remaining part of the sentence, if he has not undergone the sentence
of imprisonment of six months period. The bail bonds of A.2 to A.4 stand
cancelled.
16. The Criminal Revision Case is disposed of accordingly.
________________
K.G. SHANKAR, J
Date: 14.11.2011
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