Shivakumar S/O Gurupadayya Misi v. the State of Karnataka
Criminal appeals (CRL.A.100117/2017 – accused No.2 Shivakumar; CRL.A.100127/2019
Case brief
What is this about?
Karnataka High Court, Dharwad Bench (NC: 2025:KHC-D:4140); oral judgment by Justice Shivashankar AmaranNavar, 03.03.2025; CRL.A No.100117 of 2017 c/w CRL.A No.100127 of 2019; acquittal of accused Nos.1 (Hanamant Bhajantri) and 2 (Shivakumar Misi); S.C.No.7/2013, I Addl. District & Sessions Judge, Bagalkot at Jamakhandi; offences IPC 376, 304, 201, 511 r/w 34; deceased 'Alaka' found in Indica KA-48-2084 near Milan Dhaba / Alagur Rehabilitation Centre, Jamakhandi (Crime No.175/2010, Jamakhandi Rural P.S.); Ex.P15(b) final post-mortem opinion (author not examined, not marked by consent) – death due to respiratory failure from consumption of alcohol; Ex.P16/Ex.P17 RFSL reports – no seminal stains (items 8 & 11), no spermatozoa in vaginal smear; no external injuries on accused (Ex.P19, P20); conviction held perverse, not based on legal evidence; conviction/sentence dated 13.12.2016 set aside; acquittal and refund of fine ordered. Supreme Court decisions cited only by appellants' counsel (not engaged with by the Court): Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh and Ors, (2014) 2 SCC 1 (registration of FIR); Ashok v. State of Uttar Pradesh, 2024 INSC 919 (conviction without legal evidence).