PALANIAPPA GOUNDER vs STATE OF TAMIL NADU & ORS.

The Supreme Court addressed the propriety of imposing a fine under Section 357(1)(c) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, in conjunction with a sentence of death or life imprisonment under Section 302 IPC. The Court held that while the law permits combining a fine with such sentences, it should be exercised sparingly and the fine must not be excessive, considering the offender's means and the nature of the offense. The Court partially allowed the appeal, reducing the fine imposed by the High Court, emphasizing that the primary concern should be the proportionality of the sentence to the offense committed.