Moot Memorial For Respondent - Ipc Sec 302 R/w Sec 34

M.P. LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019 Before THE HONORABLE HIGH COURT OF BOMBAY BENCH AT AURANGABAD

The Appeal filed under Section 302 read with Section 34 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 Criminal Appeal No: _____/2017

In the matter of Tatyasaheb Prince Nagraj

Appellant No. 1 Appellant No. 2 Appellant No. 3 Vs

The State of Maharashtra

Respondent

MEMORIAL SUBMITTED BY COUNSEL ON BEHALF OF THE RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................... 2 TABLE OF AUTHORITIES .................................................................................................................. 3 CASES ............................................................................................................................................. 3 CONSTITUTION AND STATUTE .................................................................................................... 4 BOOKS & ONLINE REFERENCE ................................................................................................... 4 LEXICONS ....................................................................................................................................... 4 WEBSITES: ..................................................................................................................................... 4 STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION ...................................................................................................... 5 STATEMENT OF FACTS .................................................................................................................... 6 STATEMENT OF CHARGES .............................................................................................................. 7 ISSUES RAISED ................................................................................................................................. 8 SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS ............................................................................................................ 9 DETAILED ARGUMENTS ................................................................................................................. 10 Whether the Appellants can be prosecuted under section 302 read with Section 34 of the INDIAN PENAL CODE. 1860? .................................................................................................................... 10 Whether the nature of the injuries and the nature of the weapon were such as to cause death of a person? .......................................................................................................................................... 15 Whether the act of the deceased amounted to grave and sudden provocation? .......................... 17 Whether the Sessions Court was justified in sentencing the Appellants with life imprisonment in connection with the act committed by them? ................................................................................. 19 PRAYER ............................................................................................................................................ 21

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019

TABLE OF AUTHORITIES

CASES 1. Gurdatta Mal AIR 1965 SC 257 2.

Chikkarange Gowda AIR 1956 SC 731

3.

Tukaram Ganpat Pandare AIR 1974 SC 514

4.

Rambilas Singh AIR 1989 SC 1593

5.

Aiyar, P Ramanathan, The Law Lexicon, p. 49 (2nd ed 2006.)

6.

Mohan Lal v. State of Uttar Pradesh AIR 1974 SC 1144

7.

Commissioner of Income Tax v. Patranu Dass Raja Ram Beri, AIR 1982 PH 1, 4

8.

State of Maharashtra v. Meyer Hans George, AIR 1965 SC 722

9.

1951, 3 Pepsu LR 635

10.

Santosh v. State of Madhya Pradesh, 1975 Cri LJ 602 (SC)

11.

Laxman v. State of Maharashtra, AIR 1974 SC 1803

12.

State v. Dinakar Bandu (1969) 72 Bom LR 905)

13.

Nathulal AIR 1966 SC 43

14.

Shamdasini P D AIR 1929 Bom 443

15.

Atley AIR 1955 SC 80

16.

Rajinder Kumar AIR 1966 SC 1322

17.

Gurcharan Singh AIR 1956 SC 460

18.

RATANLAL AND DHIRAJLAL, The Indian Penal Code, (26thed., 2007)

19.

State of Punjab v Sucha Singh, AIR 2003 SC 1471.

20.

Mulakh Raj v. Satish Kumar, AIR 1992 SC 1175

21.

State of Madhya Pradesh v. Digvijay Singh, 1981 Cri. LJ 1278 (SC)

22.

Pulicherla Nagaraju alias Nagaraja Reddy v. State of Andhra Pradesh, (2006) 11 SCC 444

23.

State of MP v. Rammi,1999 (1) JLJ 49 (MP)

24.

State of MP v. Dharkale, AIR 2005 SC 44

25.

State of WB v. Orilal Jaiswal, AIR 1994 SC 1418

3

MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019 CONSTITUTION AND STATUTE 1. The Constitution of India, 1949 2. The Indian Penal Code, 1860 3. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

BOOKS & ONLINE REFERENCE 1. Abstract from Annalise Unsworth, Kate Curtis, and Stephen Edward Asha, Treatments for blunt chest trauma and their impact on patient outcomes and health service

delivery

Published

online

on

8th

FEB

2015

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4322452/ last accessed on 28th FEB 2019. 2. Daisley A, Kischka U, Tams R (2008). Head Injury. Oxford: OUP Oxford 3. Macfarlane R, Hardy DG (1997). Outcome after Head, Neck and Spinal Trauma: a medicolegal guide. Oxford 4. Powell T (2004). Head Injury: A Practical Guide (2nd ed.). United Kingdom 5. Modi‟s Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology, (23rd Edition) 6. Ratanlal and Dhirajlal, The Indian Penal Code, (33rd edition) 7. Ratanlal and Dhirajlal, The Law of Evidence, (26th Edition) 8. Sarkar, Law of Evidence, (17th Edition) 9. Sarkar, The Code of Criminal Procedure, (11th edition)

LEXICONS Aiyar, P Ramanathan , The Law Lexicon (2nd edition 2006.)

WEBSITES: www.indiankanoon.com www.scconline.com www.judis.nic.in www.wikipedia.com www.casemine.com

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019

STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION The Appellants humbly approach the Hon’ble High Court under Section 374(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, which reads as follows:

374. Appeals from convictions.-

Any person convicted on a trial held by a High Court in its extraordinary original criminal jurisdiction may appeal to the Supreme Court.

Any person convicted on a trial held by a Sessions Judge or an Additional Sessions Judge or on a trial held by any other Court in which a sentence of imprisonment for more than seven years has been passed, may appeal to the High Court.

Save as otherwise provided in sub-section (2), any person,-

Convicted on a trial held by a Metropolitan Magistrate or Assistant Sessions Judge or Magistrate of the first class, or of the second class, or sentenced under section 325, or In respect of whom an order has been made or a sentence has been passed under section 360 by any Magistrate, may appeal to the Court of Session. The respondents humbly submit to the jurisdiction of this Hon’ble Court.

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019

STATEMENT OF FACTS Tatyasaheb (Appellant No. 1), an elderly farmer lived with his family consisting of his wife (Sumitra), son Prince (Appellant No. 2), Daughter Aarchi & Brother Nagraj (Appellant No 3). Parshya, a boy who lived in the same village was in love with Aarchi. Tatyasaheb did not like Aarchi's closeness to Parshya and had publicly warned both Parshya and Aarchi to stay away from each other. On several occasions he publicly scolded Aarchi and asked her to refrain from meeting Parshya. Nagraj had borrowed Rs. 12000/- from Parshya and though he had promised to pay him immediately, he kept asking Parshya for time to repay the Rs. 12000/-. On 17th June 2017, Nagraj invited Parshya to collect 12000/-. Parshya reached Tatyasaheb's house around 9:15 pm, when the family had just finished their dinner, he saw Aarchi from the window and signaled her to come into the backyard. Tatyasaheb, Nagraj and Prince on hearing the whispers from the backyard went unarmed to investigate the matter. On seeing Parshya and Aarchi together Tatyasaheb lost his temper, asked Aarchi to return to the house and started abusing Parshya. Parshya replied back and there was a heated argument between them. During the course of the argument, Prince went into the house and brought Tatyasaheb's walking stick and gave blows on Parshya's leg. Nagraj grabbed the walking stick and started beating Parshya and gave blows on Parshya’s head and chest. Parshya was taken to the civil hospital by the villagers, where he died four days later. The Post-mortem report confirmed that Parshya died due to injuries suffered by him on his head and due to fracture of two ribs. However, none of the injuries independently were sufficient to cause Parshya's death while they cumulatively were sufficient in the ordinary course of nature, to cause his death. The FIR was registered under section 307 read with Section 34 of INDIAN PENAL CODE, 1860 and after the death of Parshya; the charges were altered to 302 read with Section 34 INDIAN PENAL CODE, 1860. The Sessions court convicted the three Appellants under Section 302 read with Section 34 & sentenced them to life imprisonment for having committed the murder of Parshya. Aggrieved and dissatisfied by the judgment of conviction passes by the learned Trial Judge, the Appellants have preferred the present appeal.

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019

STATEMENT OF CHARGES The FIR was registered under section 307 read with Section 34 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 and after the death of Parshya; the charges were altered to 302 read with Section 34 Indian Penal Code, 1860. The Sessions court convicted the three Appellants under Section 302 read with Section 34 & sentenced them to life imprisonment for having committed the murder of Parshya.

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019

ISSUES RAISED

A.

Whether the Appellants can be prosecuted under section 302 read with Section 34 of the INDIAN PENAL CODE. 1860?

B.

Whether the nature of injuries and the nature of the weapon, was such as to cause death of a person?

C.

Whether the act of the deceased amounted to grave and sudden provocation?

D.

Whether the Sessions Court was justified in sentencing the Appellants with life imprisonment in connection with the act committed by them?

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019

SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS A. Whether the Appellants can be prosecuted under section 302 read with Section 34 of the INDIAN PENAL CODE. 1860? It is humbly contended that the Hon’ble Sessions Court correctly held the Appellants as guilty of murder of Parshya under Section 302 read with Section 34 of IPC. Section 302 read with Section 34, IPC envisages commission of murder by two or more people in furtherance of a common intention. Section 300 of IPC gives the definition of murder and enumerates the ingredients of the offence.

B. Whether the nature of injuries and the nature of the weapon, was such as to cause death of a person? It is most humbly submitted before this Hon’ble High Court that the nature of the injuries and the nature of the weapon were indeed enough to cause death of the person. Resting on the facts given in this case, ante-mortem injuries acquired by the deceased was due to joint and physically powerful assault by the aforementioned appellants. Deceased had injury on his legs, chest and head.

C. Whether the act of the deceased amounted to grave and sudden provocation? It is most humbly submitted before this Hon’ble High Court that the act of the deceased did not amount to grave and sudden provocation rather it was a pre-mediated, orchestrated and with a well defined Modus Operandi of the Appellants

D. Whether the Sessions Court was justified in sentencing the Appellants with life imprisonment in connection with the act committed by them? It is humbly contended that the Hon’ble Sessions Court correctly held the Accused as guilty of murder of Parshya under Section 302 read with Section 34 of IPC. Section 302 read with Section 34, IPC envisages commission of murder by two or more people in furtherance of a common intention. Section 300 of IPC gives the definition of Murder and enumerates the ingredients of the offence.

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019

DETAILED ARGUMENTS

Whether the Appellants can be prosecuted under section 302 read with Section 34 of the INDIAN PENAL CODE. 1860? It is humbly contended that the Hon’ble Sessions Court correctly held the Appellants as guilty of murder of Parshya under Section 302 read with Section 34 of IPC. Section 302 read with Section 34, IPC envisages commission of murder by two or more people in furtherance of a common intention. Section 300 of IPC gives the definition of murder and enumerates the ingredients of the offence.

Section 300 of Indian Penal Code contemplates that a person is guilty of murder if he intentionally causes the death of a person or causes such bodily injury as he knows, is likely to cause death of that person or causes such bodily injury, which in the ordinary course of nature results into death or commits an act so dangerous that it must, in all probability cause death of that person.

Section 34 of Indian Penal Code contemplates the doing of an act by several persons in furtherance of common intention. The constructive liability under this section would arise only if two conditions are fulfilled: a) There must be common intention to commit the crime; and b) There must be participation by all the persons in doing such act in furtherance of that intention. If these two ingredients are established all the accused would be liable for the said offence.1 The leading feature of Sec 34 is the element of participation in action.2 It is the essence of this section that the person must be physically present at the actual commission of the crime. Criminal sharing, overt or covert, by active presence or by distant direction, making out a certain measure of jointness in the commission of the act is the essence of this section. 3

1

Gurdatta Mal AIR 1965 SC 257 Chikkarange Gowda AIR 1956 SC 731 3 Tukaram Ganpat Pandare AIR 1974 SC 514 2

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019

In order to convict persons vicariously under Sec 34 it is not necessary to prove that each and every one of the accused had indulged in overt acts. Even so, there must be material to show that the overt act or acts of one or more of the accused was or were done in furtherance of the common intention of the accused.4 A person may be “constructively liable” for acts not committed by him by reason of Sec 34 The terms Actus Reus and Mens Rea come from “Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea”, which literally means “an act does not make a person guilty unless mind is also guilty”. The "Burden of Proof‟ lies on the prosecution to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. The Respondent-Prosecution contends that Actus Reus (1) and Mens Rea (2) had been proven successfully, thus The Accused are guilty of murder of Parshya

(1) Actus Reus Actus Reus is any wrongful act5. Thus, in a case of murder, Actus Reus would be the physical conduct of the accused that causes death of the victim. In the instant case, it is contended that the deceased was assaulted

Circumstantial Evidence It is a well settled principle that where the case is mainly based on circumstantial evidence, the court must satisfy itself that various circumstances in the chain of evidence should be established clearly and that the completed chain must be such as to rule out a reasonable likelihood of the innocence of the accused.6

It is the humble contention of the Respondent that the physical act of murdering Parshya by giving blows to him on his leg, chest and head had been established by well linked chain of circumstantial evidence.

4

Rambilas Singh AIR 1989 SC 1593 Aiyar, P Ramanathan, The Law Lexicon, p. 49 (2nd ed 2006.) 6 Mohan Lal v. State of Uttar Pradesh AIR 1974 SC 1144 5

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019

(2) Mens Rea Mens Rea is considered as guilty intention,7 which is proved or inferred from the acts of the accused.8 It is submitted that the intention to kill had been established in light of clear-cut motive of the accused. Arguendo, absence of motive would not be a sufficient ground to dismiss the case.

Intention It is presumed that every sane person intends the result that his action normally produces and if a person hits another on a vulnerable part of the body, and death occurs as a result, the intention of the accused can be no other than to take the life of the victim and the offence committed amounts to murder.9

Moreover, the intention to kill is not required in every case, mere knowledge that natural and probable consequences of an act would be death will suffice for a conviction under section. 302 of the Indian Penal Code.10 The intention to kill can be inferred from the murder and nature of the injuries caused to the victim.11

It is humbly contended by the Respondent that the common intention of The Accused of murdering The Deceased had been established by establishing a chain of circumstantial evidence

Sec 8, Indian Evidence Act stipulates that any fact is relevant which shows or constitutes motive or preparation for any fact in issue or relevant fact. It is further pertinent to note that if there is motive in doing an act, then the adequacy of that motive is not in all cases necessary. Heinous offences have been committed for very slight motive.12

7

Commissioner of Income Tax v. Patranu Dass Raja Ram Beri, AIR 1982 PH 1, 4 State of Maharashtra v. Meyer Hans George, AIR 1965 SC 722 9 1951, 3 Pepsu LR 635 10 Santosh v. State of Madhya Pradesh, 1975 Cri LJ 602 (SC) 11 Laxman v. State of Maharashtra, AIR 1974 SC 1803 12 State v. Dinakar Bandu (1969) 72 Bom LR 905) 8

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019

The Supreme Court has held that Mens Rea is an essential ingredient of a criminal offence.13 In a criminal court one often wants to test the alleged guilty mind by seeing what was the motive of the alleged criminal in doing the particular act. It is not essential under IPC for prosecution to establish motive. But as a matter of common sense, this is usually of importance, because an average man does not commit a criminal offence unless he has a strong motive for doing it.14

The absence of proof of motive has this effect only, that the other evidence bearing guilt of the accused has to be very closely examined.15

The motive behind the crime is a very relevant fact of which evidence can be given. The absence of motive is also a circumstance which is relevant for assessing the evidence. The circumstances which prove the guilt of the accused are, however, not weakened by the fact that motive has not been established.16

Where the positive evidence against the accused is clear, cogent and reliable, the question of motive is of no importance.17

It is the humbly contended that Appellant’s jealousy and sour relations, which had been established by way of circumstantial evidence, constitute the motive for the offence

13

Nathulal AIR 1966 SC 43 Shamdasini P D AIR 1929 Bom 443 15 Atley AIR 1955 SC 80 16 Rajinder Kumar AIR 1966 SC 1322 17 Gurcharan Singh AIR 1956 SC 460 14

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019

Arguendo, Absence of motive

Assuming for the sake of argument that the accused had no motive, it is humbly contended that absence of motive is no ground for dismissing the case. Motive is immaterial so far as the offence is concerned, and need not be established18 as the mere existence of motive is by itself, not an incriminating circumstance and cannot take the place of a proof.19 Therefore, absence of proof of motive, does not break the link in the chain of circumstances connecting the accused with the crime, nor militates against the prosecution case and is not fatal as a matter of law.20

When the circumstantial evidence on record is sufficient to prove beyond any doubt to prove that it was the accused and no one else, who intentionally caused the death of the accused then, motive of the crime need not be proved.21

The mere missing link of non-establishment of clear motive of accused 2 and accused 3 is immaterial and is not a ground for dismissing the case, in light of the well-established motive of Accused 1 to commit the murder. Therefore, it is humbly submitted before this Hon’ble Court that The Accused were correctly held guilty for the offence of murder, given that the requisite Mens Rea and Actus Reus had been established by the Prosecution from the facts of the case, beyond a reasonable doubt.

18

RATANLAL AND DHIRAJLAL, The Indian Penal Code, (26thed., 2007) State of Punjab v Sucha Singh, AIR 2003 SC 1471. 20 Mulakh Raj v. Satish Kumar, AIR 1992 SC 1175 21 State of Madhya Pradesh v. Digvijay Singh, 1981 Cri. LJ 1278 (SC) 19

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019 Whether the nature of the injuries and the nature of the weapon were such as to cause death of a person? It is most humbly submitted before this Hon’ble High Court that the nature of the injuries and the nature of the weapon were indeed enough to cause death of the person. Resting on the facts given in this case, ante-mortem injuries acquired by the deceased was due to joint and physically powerful assault by the aforementioned appellants. Deceased had injury on his legs, chest and head.

According to the post-mortem report, deceased succumbed due to cumulative injuries of broken ribs and head impact.

Broken Ribs Blunt chest trauma is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Rib fractures constitute a major part of blunt chest trauma and each additional rib fracture is associated with an increasing likelihood of developing complications. Each additional rib fracture in adults increases the odds of mortality by 19% and of developing pneumonia by 27%. Respiratory complications develop with rib fractures as a consequence of splinting of the thorax from pain and mechanical instability resulting in inadequate ventilation. Even an isolated rib fracture is associated with significant consequences, particularly in the older population. This causes decreased lung volumes, Atelectasis, and may progress to pneumonia, respiratory failure, need for prolonged ventilation and possible death.22

22

Abstract from Annalise Unsworth, Kate Curtis, and Stephen Edward Asha, Treatments for blunt chest trauma and their impact on patient outcomes and health service delivery Published online on 8th FEB 2015 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4322452/ last accessed on 28th FEB 2019. 15

MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019 Head injury Head injuries include both injuries to the brain and those to other parts of the head, such as the scalp and skull. Head injuries can be closed or open. A closed (non-missile) head injury is where the dura mater remains intact. The skull can be fractured, but not necessarily. A penetrating head injury occurs when an object pierces the skull and breaches the dura mater23.

Brain injuries may be diffuse, occurring over a wide area, or focal, located in a small, specific area. A head injury may cause skull fracture, which may or may not be associated with injury to the brain. Some patients may have linear or depressed skull fractures. If intracranial hemorrhage occurs, a hematoma within the skull can put pressure on the brain. Types of intracranial hemorrhage include subdural, subarachnoid, extradural, and intraparenchymal hematoma. Craniotomy surgeries are used in these cases to lessen the pressure by draining off blood24.

A contusion is a bruise to the brain itself. A contusion causes bleeding and swelling inside of the brain around the area where the head was struck. Contusions may occur with skull fractures or other blood clots such as a subdural or epidural hematoma. Bleeding that occurs inside the brain itself (also called intraparenchymal hemorrhage) can sometimes occur spontaneously.25

As per the Post-Mortem report, this concludes that the deceased had died due to cumulative damage of broken ribs and head injury, caused by an impulsive impact by a blunt object, in this case – a walking stick.

Hereby it is most humbly and respectfully submitted to the court that there is enough literature and co-relative evidence which proves that both nature of injury and nature of the weapon was enough to cause death of Parshya.

23

Daisley A, Kischka U, Tams R (2008). Head Injury. Oxford: OUP Oxford Macfarlane R, Hardy DG (1997). Outcome after Head, Neck and Spinal Trauma: a medicolegal guide. Oxford 25 Powell T (2004). Head Injury: A Practical Guide (2nd ed.). United Kingdom 24

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019 Whether the act of the deceased amounted to grave and sudden provocation? It is most humbly submitted before this Hon’ble High Court that the act of the deceased did not amount to grave and sudden provocation.

It is to be noted that according to the facts of the case, it looks like there was a conspiracy to murder Parshya. Parshya was in love with Aarchi and this fact was not hidden from the appellants. Appellants in due course had also scolded Aarchi and had asked her not to meet Parshya. Even though after the known fact of Aarchi and Parshya – we later understand that the Appellant No.3 had purposely taken a hand loan of Rs. 12000/- from Parshya. Appellant No.3 was supposed to return the amount immediately however, he refrained from doing so. Once the amount was arranged – Appellant No.3 asks Parshya to come to his home to collect the amount. Parshya then reaches the house on 17th June 2017 around 21:15 hrs to collect the loan amount. Here the motive was obvious that Parshya was to come to collect money and will be willing to talk to Aarchi. This will be a good opportunity to prove a sudden spurt of hate and hence a heated argument. Else Appellant No.3 would have met Parshya elsewhere to return the loan amount.

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019

It will be also useful here to refer to the judgment of the Apex Court26, wherein the Court has observed that:

The intention to cause death can be gathered generally from a combination of a few or several of the following, among other, circumstances:

(1)

Nature of the weapon used;

(2)

Whether the weapon was carried by the accused or was picked up from the spot;

(3)

Whether the blow is aimed at a vital part of the body;

(4)

The amount of force employed in causing injury;

(5)

Whether the act was in the course of sudden quarrel or sudden fight or free for all fight;

(6)

Whether the incident occurs by chance or whether there was any pre- meditation;

(7)

Whether there was any prior enmity or whether the deceased was a stranger;

(8)

Whether there was any grave and sudden provocation, and if so, the cause for such provocation;

(9)

Whether it was in the heat of passion;

(10) Whether the person inflicting the injury has taken undue advantage or has acted in a cruel and unusual manner; (11) Whether the accused dealt a single blow or several blows.

26

Pulicherla Nagaraju alias Nagaraja Reddy v. State of Andhra Pradesh, (2006) 11 SCC 444 18

MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019 Whether the Sessions Court was justified in sentencing the Appellants with life imprisonment in connection with the act committed by them? It is humbly contended that the Hon’ble Sessions Court correctly held the Accused as guilty of murder of Parshya under Section 302 read with Section 34 of IPC. Section 302 read with Section 34, IPC envisages commission of murder by two or more people in furtherance of a common intention. Section 300 of IPC gives the definition of murder and enumerates the ingredients of the offence.

Section 302 in The Indian Penal Code, 1860 reads: 302. Punishment for murder: - Whoever commits murder shall be punished with death, or 1[imprisonment for life], and shall also be liable to fine.

Section 34 in The Indian Penal Code, 1860 reads: 34. Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention: - When a criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention of all, each of such persons is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone.

The Sessions Court, after considering the evidence on record adduced by the prosecution, was pleased to convict Tatyasaheb - Appellant No. 1; Prince - Appellant No. 2 & Nagraj Appellant No. 3 for the offences punishable under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and sentenced them to suffer imprisonment for life and by its Judgment, the said substantive sentences were directed to run concurrently.

The Police Machinery was very accurate in altering the charges levied on the accused from Section 307 (Attempt to murder) read with Section 34 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 to Section 302 (Punishment for Murder) read with Section 34 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 because as per the post mortem report, deceased died due to cumulative assaults causing a head injury and fractured ribs.

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019 The criminal jurisprudence as has developed in the basis of the British model is that the offence alleged is required to be proved „beyond all reasonable doubt”. What is to be noted is that the doubt, which is required to be removed, is of a reasonable man and not every kind of doubt based on surmise or guess. “Reasonable doubt”, therefore, does not mean a vague, speculative or whimsical doubt or uncertainty, nor a mere possible doubt of the truth of the fact to be proved. It also does not mean proof of a mathematical certainty nor proof beyond the possibility of a mistake. The requirement in criminal cases, of proof “beyond reasonable doubt” to support conviction, therefore does not mean proof beyond all possible doubts.27

Doubts would be called reasonable if they are free from a zest for abstract speculation. Law cannot afford any favorite other than the truth. To constitute reasonable doubt, it must be free from an over emotional response. Doubts must be actual and substantial doubts as to the guilt of the accused person arising from the evidence or from the lack of it, as opposed to mere vague apprehension. A reasonable doubt is not an imaginary, trivial or a merely possible doubt, but a fair doubt based upon reason and commonsense.28

Exaggerated devotion to the rule of benefit of doubt must not nurture fanciful doubts or lingering suspicions and thereby destroy social defense. Justice cannot be made sterile on the plea that it is better to let hundred guilty escape than punish an innocent. Letting the guilty escape is not justice, according to law29

27

State of MP v. Rammi,1999 (1) JLJ 49 (MP) State of MP v. Dharkale, AIR 2005 SC 44 29 State of WB v. Orilal Jaiswal, AIR 1994 SC 1418 28

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT

MANIKCHAND PAHADE LAW COLLEGE INTRA COLLEGE MOOT COURT 2019

PRAYER

Wherefore, in light of the issues raised, arguments advanced and authorities cited, may this Hon’ble Court be pleased to:

1. Declare and adjudge that all three Appellants guilty of murdering Parshya. 2. Uphold the conviction of the Hon’ble Sessions Court.

AND/OR

Pass any other order, as it deems fit, in light of justice, equity and good conscience. All of which is most humbly and respectfully submitted

Place:

Date:

S/d: _____________________

PUBLIC PROSECUTOR

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MEMORIAL on behalf of RESPONDENT