SHANKAR KISANRAO KHADE vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

The Supreme Court upheld the death sentence imposed on Shankar Kisanrao Khade under Section 302 IPC for the murder of a minor girl after subjecting her to multiple rapes, affirming the High Court's decision. The Court found that the evidence established the accused's guilt beyond reasonable doubt, particularly under Sections 363, 366-A, 376, and 201 IPC, and confirmed the conviction for the heinous nature of the crime. The Court emphasized the need for stringent punishment in cases involving sexual violence against minors, thereby reinforcing the legal principle that such offenses warrant the harshest penalties.