KANDA PADAYACHI alias KANDASWAMY vs STATE OF TAMIL NADU

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellant under Section 302 IPC for the murder of Natesa Padayachi, affirming the death sentence imposed by the Madras High Court. The Court found sufficient circumstantial evidence, including motive, opportunity, and the presence of the appellant's towel near the victim's body, to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The Court emphasized that the absence of direct evidence does not preclude conviction if circumstantial evidence is compelling and consistent.