SANDEEP MEHTA, RAJENDRA PRAKASH SONI
Rekha Devi – Appellant
Versus
State of Rajasthan – Respondent
ORDER :
Mr. Sandeep Mehta, J. - The instant second application for suspension of sentences has been preferred on behalf of the appellant applicant who has been convicted and sentenced as below vide judgment dated 20.12.2018 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Salumbar, District Udaipur in Sessions Case No.08/2018 (CIS No.08/2018):
| Offences | Sentences | Fine | Fine Default sentences |
| Section 449 IPC | 10 Years' R.I. | Rs.5,000/- | 3 Months' S.I. |
| Section 302 IPC | Life Imprisonment | Rs.20,000/- | 6 Months' S.I. |
| Section 397 IPC | 7 Years' R.I. | Rs.5,000/- | 3 Months' S.I. |
| All the substantive sentences were ordered to run concurrently. | |||
2. Learned Public Prosecutor has filed reply to the application for suspension of sentences wherein, it is indicated that the appellant had served total sentence of 6 years and 8 months by 21.07.2022. Thus, by now, she has undergone 7 years imprisonment including remissions.
3. The appellant has been convicted and sentenced for the alleged murder of Smt. Raju Devi by strangulation and looting of her ornaments.
4. Learned counsel Ms. Soni representing the ap
Circumstantial evidence alone may not suffice for conviction; direct evidence is crucial, and sentences can be suspended based on custody duration and appeal timelines.
The theory of last seen together is insufficient for conviction without corroborative evidence and motive, warranting suspension of sentence.
In criminal appeals involving serious offences, suspension of sentence requires a prima facie assessment of trial evidence without reappraisal, and must be justified by potential for acquittal.
The court emphasized that weak circumstantial evidence does not justify continued incarceration, especially for a mother of minor children.
Suspicion alone cannot replace proof beyond reasonable doubt; strong circumstantial evidence is essential for conviction.
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