STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH vs RAM PRASAD

The Supreme Court held that the accused's act of pouring kerosene and setting his mistress on fire constituted culpable homicide under Section 300 (Fourthly) of the Indian Penal Code, as he acted with callous disregard for human life, knowing the act was likely to cause death. The Court emphasized that even without intent to kill, the nature of the act was imminently dangerous, warranting a conviction for murder. The appeal by the State against the acquittal was upheld, and the accused's conviction was modified to Section 304 Part II, resulting in a four-year sentence.