SC commutes life term to 5 yrs RI in murder case

New Delhi, July 9 (UNI) The Supreme Court has reduced the sentence of a man from life term to five years after changing the charge against him from murder to culpable homicide not amounting to murder for killing a man during a dispute regarding payment of Rs 300.

The apex court changed the offence from 302 IPC (murder) to section 304-Part-II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).

The victim's father Yogendra Rout had purchased a buffalo for Rs 6800 from one Sattan Choudhary in December 1994 in Bihar. Rout fell short of Rs 700 and promised to pay the balance later.

Choudhary's son Maniraj called Yogender Rout to his residence who paid Rs 400 to him and promised to pay Rs 300 next day. At this, Maniraj took out his country made pistol.

Rout shouted for help and his family members, who had dinner there, came out and they started for their village Bathan. Suddenly, ten accused armed with lathis and revolvers surrounded the Rout family.

Yogendra's younger brother Shambhu Rout also reached the spot and was chased and stabbed by one Bunnilal Choudhary. Shambhu later died .

The trial court sentenced all the ten accused to life imprisonment for murdering Shambhu Rout.

The Patna High Court in appeal acquitted two persons -- Bali Choudhury and Jagdish Choudhury.

A bench comprising Mr Justice A R Lakshmanan and Mr Justice Lokeshwar Singh Panta vide judgment dated July 5 reduced the sentence of Bunni Lal Choudhary from life term to five years and acquitted seven others.

UNI AKS-SC RR VA RN1135