STATE OF M.P. vs DAYANAND DOHAR

The Supreme Court held that the High Court's reduction of the sentence for the accused convicted under Section 376 IPC and Section 3(1)(xi) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was illegal, as it failed to provide adequate and special reasons for deviating from the minimum sentence prescribed by law. The Court emphasized that the High Court's judgment was cryptic and showed a lack of consideration for the evidence presented. Consequently, the Supreme Court reinstated the original sentence imposed by the trial court, highlighting the necessity of adhering to statutory sentencing guidelines under Section 376 IPC.