Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, July 2: In a dramatic legal turn, the Karnataka High Court has suspended the life sentence of a murder convict and granted him interim bail, citing urgent humanitarian grounds including the need to care for his critically ill mother, hospitalised child, and ailing wife.

The convict, Rachachari, a resident of Kanakapura, had been serving a life sentence for the brutal 2013 murder and robbery of an elderly woman in Channapatna. His bail plea — filed for the second time — was accepted after the court considered compelling medical and familial circumstances.

The High Court also granted bail to Kiran, the second accused in the case, under similar terms.

Murder and robbery that shocked Channapatna
The case dates back to October 24, 2013, when Indiramma, an elderly woman living alone in Channapatna, was smothered to death in her home. Her gold jewellery, a mobile phone, and Rs 3,500 in cash were looted by the assailants.

Following trial, Rachachari, Kiran, and a third accused were found guilty by the Ramanagara 3rd Additional District and Sessions Court and sentenced to life imprisonment on January 17, 2019.

Rachachari had appealed the verdict in the High Court. His first plea for suspension of sentence was rejected in 2021.

HC grants bail citing medical emergency and family crisis
Appearing for the convict, Advocate D Mohan Kumar argued that Rachachari’s mother is severely unwell, his seven-year-old son has undergone surgery, and his wife is suffering from a spinal condition—making him the sole caregiver for the family.

The counsel further cited the Supreme Court’s 1978 Babusingh judgment, which allows for the suspension of sentence when a criminal appeal is pending and facing delays.

Finding the argument reasonable, the High Court agreed to suspend the sentence and granted conditional bail. Both accused must submit a personal bond of ?50,000 each, provide two sureties, and appear in court whenever summoned.

Legal experts weigh in
While the High Court emphasised the temporary nature of the relief, the decision is expected to trigger public debate given the gravity of the crime. Legal experts note that such suspensions are rare but possible under exceptional humanitarian circumstances.