CHIKKARANGAIAH vs STATE OF KARNATAKA

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of several accused under Section 326 IPC read with Section 149 IPC for causing grievous hurt to the deceased, while maintaining the acquittal under Section 302 IPC for murder. The Court emphasized that the presence of a common object among the accused, as required under Section 149 IPC, was established, justifying the conviction for the lesser offense. The sentence of three years imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 5,000 was affirmed, with the Court noting the serious nature of the assault and the ongoing land dispute as a motive.