IN THE HIGH COURT OF GUJARAT AT AHMEDABAD
Ilesh J. Vora, P. M. Raval, JJ.
Mafaji Ajuji Thakor – Petitioner
Versus
State Of Gujarat – Respondent
Criminal Misc.Application (For Suspension Of Sentence) No. 1 of 2025 In R/Criminal Appeal No. 1982 of 2025
Decided On : 26-09-2025
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. conviction assessed based on specific roles under ipc. (Para 2 , 3) |
| 2. arguments regarding the sufficiency of evidence and generalization of roles. (Para 4 , 5) |
| 3. court's observation on the standards for considering suspension of sentence. (Para 6 , 7 , 8 , 9) |
| 4. final order to suspend the sentence and conditions for bail. (Para 11) |
ORDER :
P. M. RAVAL, J.
1. Rule. Learned APP waives service of notice of Rule on behalf of respondent State.
2. The applicant is before this Court against the conviction handed down upon him in Sessions Case No.264 of 2015 whereby learned 6th Additional Sessions Judge, Banaskantha at Deodar vide judgment and order dated 30.6.2025 convicted the applicant for the offences punishable under sections 302, 307, 326, 324, 323 read with sections 143, 147, 148 and 149 of Indian Penal Code .
3. By way of the impugned judgment and order, learned trial Judge has convicted the applicant as follows :
| Offences | Punishment | Fine |
| U/s 302 r/w 149 of IPC | Life imprisonment | Rs.5,000/-, in default, 6 months RI |
| U/s 307 r/w 149 of IPC | RI for 10 years | Rs.3000/-, in default, 6 months RI |
| U/s 324 r/w 149 of IPC | RI for 1 year | Rs.1000/- in default, 1 month RI |
| U/s 143 IPC | 1 month SI | |
| U/s 147 IPC | 6 months SI | Rs.500/- in default 1 month SI |
| U/s 148 IPC | 1 year SI | Rs.500/- in default 1 month SI |
All the sentences were ordered to be run concurrently and set off was also granted by learned trial Judge under section 428 of CrPC.
4. Learned advocate Mr.Virat Popat for the applicant would submit that the complainant side is also convicted for the offences punishable under section 302 read with section 149 of IPC. That charge at Exh.2 dated 27.9.2007 read with complaint at Exh.413 dated 25.9.2002 would clearly point out that very vague charge is framed against the accused persons. That no specific role has been attributed to specific accused persons and that generalized and wholesome charge has been framed and despite this fact, learned trial Judge without considering individual role has convicted those accused who have not been attributed with any overt act. That specific role attributed of inflicting injury with scythe is attributed to Gagaji Vihaji Thakor, Dashrathji Raichand Thakor and Raichand Vihaji Thakor on head of deceased Valabhai Jalabhai Patel, whereas other co-accused persons have been attributed with either some grievous or simple injury, however, not attributed to the deceased, but other witnesses. Learned advocate for the applicant also vehemently argued that despite learned trial Judge concluded that the present accused person along with other accused have formed unlawful assembly, however, learned trial Court without considering independent role has handed down conviction under section 302 of IPC for life imprisonment by invoking provisions of section 149 of IPC. That in all there are 28 accused persons who are convicted for the offence under section 302 read with section 149 of IPC of which accused Nos.7 and 21 in Sessions Case No.265 of 2015 have expired and their cases have been abated and thus all other 26 persons are in jail despite of the fact that specific role having been attributed to some of them having injured some of the witnesses while no role is attributed to the present accused. Under the circumstances, it is argued to allow the present application.
5. Mr.L.B.Dabhi, learned Additional Public Prosecutor has supported the impugned judgment and order of conviction as passed by the trial Court and has vehemently opposed the present application. It is submitted that merely because the complainant side in the present have also been convicted for the offence under section 302 read with section 149 of IPC and that in the present case also, learned trial Judge has believed the offence attracting the provisions of section 149 of IPC, it cannot be said that learned trial Court has committed an error in convicting the applicants, more particularly, when detailed reasoned judgment has been delivered by learned trial Judge by apprecia
The court established criteria for suspending sentences in serious offences, necessitating careful assessment of individual roles and evidence.
In a case of free fight, individual accountability limits the applicability of collective liability under section 149 IPC, thus questioning the validity of convictions based solely on generalized acc....
The court emphasized the need to meticulously assess all relevant factors when considering an application for suspension of a sentence for serious offenses like murder.
Suspension of sentence requires strong grounds demonstrating a fair chance of acquittal; mere incarceration duration does not suffice for bail.
Suspension of sentence in serious offences like murder requires a careful examination of evidence, with the possibility of qualifying for lesser charges providing grounds for temporary release.
In cases of free fight, liability is individual, and Section 149 cannot be invoked for constructive liability, as established by the Supreme Court.
Suspension of sentence and release on bail – Parameters governing suspension of sentence post-conviction are qualitatively distinct from those applicable at stage of pre-trial bail – Such relief can ....
The court found that mere presence at the scene of a crime without substantive involvement can justify suspension of sentence in appeal for serious offenses.
The court ruled that absence of direct evidence does not negate the applicability of Section 149 IPC and that suspension of sentence post-conviction requires clear justification beyond lack of prior ....
Suspension of sentence can only be granted in exceptional cases for serious offences, requiring substantial justification, as established by the appellate court.
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