After 42 years, Allahabad High Court clears 100-year-old man in 1982 murder case, cites inordinate delay
The case relates to the killing of a man identified as Gunwa, who was shot dead on August 9, 1982, in Hamirpur district
PTC Web Desk: Highlighting the consequences of prolonged judicial delays, the Allahabad High Court has acquitted a centenarian accused in a murder case registered more than four decades ago, granting him the benefit of doubt due to the extraordinary time taken to hear his appeal.
A Division Bench comprising Justices Chandradhari Singh and Sanjeev Kumar overturned the conviction of Dhaniram, now 100 years old, who had been sentenced to life imprisonment by a sessions court in Hamirpur in 1984. His appeal against the verdict remained pending before the High Court for over 40 years.
The case relates to the killing of a man identified as Gunwa, who was shot dead on August 9, 1982, in Hamirpur district. The prosecution had claimed that the incident stemmed from a land-related dispute. While one Maiku was alleged to have fired the fatal shot, Dhaniram and another co-accused, Sattidin, were accused of abetting the crime.
The trial court had convicted both Dhaniram and Sattidin for murder with common intention. They later challenged the judgment in the High Court and were released on bail while their appeals were pending.
During the prolonged legal proceedings, Sattidin passed away, leaving Dhaniram as the only surviving appellant. The High Court also took note of the fact that the main accused, Maiku, was never arrested or brought to trial.
In its ruling, the Bench observed that the exceptional delay in deciding the appeal, combined with the advanced age of the accused, were crucial circumstances that could not be overlooked. The court further pointed out weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and extended the benefit of doubt to Dhaniram.
Allowing the appeal, the High Court set aside the conviction and acquitted Dhaniram of all charges. It also directed that his bail bonds be cancelled.
The judgment has once again drawn attention to the issue of long-pending criminal appeals in the judicial system, raising questions about the impact of such delays on justice delivery for both accused persons and victims’ families.