SACHIN versus THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

SACHIN versus THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

The orders of the High Court and consequent orders of the Special Court were erroneous and set aside; the original sentence of rigorous imprisonment for seven years as imposed by the Special Court survives, and because the appellant has already undergone eleven years and eight months of incarceration (more than the original sentence), the Supreme Court, exercising its powers under Article 142, restored the original sentence and directed that the appellant be released forthwith; the pending Criminal Appeal on the High Court file is rendered infructuous and disposed of.

Parties
Appellant: Sachin; Respondent: The State of Maharashtra
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
21 April 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Final Judgment of the Supreme Court (appeal Allowed and Disposed)
Outcome
Appeals allowed
Legal Topics
Sentence Modification, Life Imprisonment, Article 142, POCSO, Release From Custody, Complete Justice
Criminal Law Criminal Procedure Constitutional Law Sentence Modification Life Imprisonment Article 142 POCSO Release From Custody +1 more

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Parties

Sachin

Appellant

The State of Maharashtra

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Judgment of the Supreme Court (appeal Allowed and Disposed)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether it is a fit case to exercise the power under Article 142 to do complete justice
  2. 2 Whether the accused has undergone imprisonment for a period more than that originally imposed by the Trial Court

Ratio Decidendi

The orders of the High Court and consequent orders of the Special Court were erroneous and set aside; the original sentence of rigorous imprisonment for seven years as imposed by the Special Court survives, and because the appellant has already undergone eleven years and eight months of incarceration (more than the original sentence), the Supreme Court, exercising its powers under Article 142, restored the original sentence and directed that the appellant be released forthwith; the pending Criminal Appeal on the High Court file is rendered infructuous and disposed of.

Court Disposition

Appeals allowed

Orders

  • The impugned judgment dated 26.02.2016 and subsequent orders dated 02.03.2016 and 08.03.2016 are set aside
  • The order of the Special Court dated 28.04.2016 convicting and sentencing the appellant to suffer life imprisonment and to pay fine of Rs.5,000/- (in default rigorous imprisonment for six months) is set aside