Bhagat Ram v. State
Case brief
What is this about?
HP High Court Shimla, Sandeep Sharma J., 18.4.2026, Criminal Appeal Nos. 9 and 23 of 2011; Duni Chand, Bhagat Ram, Padmu Devi v. State of Himachal Pradesh; Sections 307, 498-A, 201, 34 IPC and Sections 154, 313, 374 CrPC; attempt to murder by darat (sickle) on vital body parts; grievous injuries dangerous to life; intention/knowledge inferred from totality of circumstances; sentence reduction five years to two years on account of lapse of 23 years and age; insufficiency of bald dowry-harassment assertions for Section 498-A cruelty; acquittal of parents-in-law; Section 201 causing disappearance of evidence not established where blood samples (A+ve) match injured and accused absent on night duty; Sessions Trial No. 22 of 2004; Additional Sessions Judge Mandi (Camp at Karsog); FIR Ext.PW1/A; compensation Rs.30,000/- and Rs.20,000/-.
What did the court decide?
Composite disposition: Cr.A No. 23 of 2011 (Duni Chand v. State of Himachal Pradesh) is partly allowed - conviction under Section 307 IPC upheld, RI sentence modified/reduced from five years to two years, rest of the sentence upheld. Cr.A No. 9 of 2011 (Bhagat Ram and Anr. v. State of Himachal Pradesh) is allowed - judgment of conviction and order of sentence dated 4.1.2010 under Sections 498-A and 201 IPC set aside and the appellants acquitted; bail bonds furnished by them discharged. Both appeals and miscellaneous applications disposed of; record directed to be sent back forthwith.