Madras HC Reduces Life Sentence of Woman Who Set Daughter on Fire
The Madras High Court has reduced the life sentence of a woman convicted for setting her 13-year-old daughter on fire. The Court ruled that the conviction under Section 302 IPC (murder) could not be sustained and instead convicted her under Section 304(1) IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder). As a result, her sentence was reduced to 10 years.
Background of the Case
The incident happened after a quarrel between the mother and daughter over the child’s lack of interest in studies. The parents had admitted the girl to a government-aided residential school in Kovilpatti. However, she ran away from the hostel and returned home at midnight after just eight days.
This led to a heated argument between the mother and daughter the next day. In a fit of anger, the mother poured kerosene on the girl and set her on fire. The father, who was asleep, woke up upon hearing the child’s screams and rushed her to the government hospital in Kovilpatti. The medical report confirmed that she had 50% burn injuries.
Legal Proceedings
- Initial Charges & Investigation:
- The victim’s statement was recorded, and a case was filed under Section 307 IPC (attempt to murder) against the mother.
- A dying declaration was also recorded.
- Trial & Conviction:
- The girl underwent medical treatment for over four months, but her burns did not heal.
- She succumbed to her injuries, and the charge was altered from Section 307 to Section 302 IPC (murder).
- The trial court convicted the mother under Section 302 IPC and sentenced her to life imprisonment with a fine of ₹5,000.
- High Court Appeal & Verdict:
- The mother challenged her conviction before the Madras High Court.
- The Court examined whether she had the intention to kill her daughter and ruled in the negative.
- The Court converted the conviction from Section 302 IPC (murder) to Section 304(1) IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).
- The life sentence was reduced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of ₹5,000.
Key Takeaways from the Judgment
- The incident was not premeditated but rather an impulsive act following a family argument.
- The mother did not have the intention to commit murder, which is required for a conviction under Section 302 IPC.
- The Court acknowledged the tragic nature of the case while ensuring a fair legal outcome.
This case highlights how courts carefully differentiate between intentional murder and culpable homicide based on intent and circumstances.
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