JUDGMENT

This appeal is filed by accused as against the judgment of conviction and order of sentence passed by the learned III Additional District and Sessions Judge (PCR), Madurai, dated 18.01.2016, in Special S.C.No.64 of

2010.

2.Heard Mr.T.A.Ebenezer, learned Counsel appearing for the appellant and Mr.K.K.Ramakrishnan, learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondent.

3.The case of the prosecution is that PW-1, Kannan, belongs to Pallar caste under SC/ST Act. He is involved in dairying and selling milk. Some time in the month of January, 2004, the de-facto complainant had warned some youngsters, who were teasing the girls in his neighbourhood. Subsequently, there was wordy quarrel between the said youngsters and Kannan, de-facto complainant. The elders in the village intervened and the matter ended up amicably. With that incident in mind, the accused, Muthupandi, on 26.02.2004 at around 07.00 pm, when the de-facto complainant had gone to the tea stall belonging to Kumar situated on the street, where the de-facto complainant, Kannan, resides. The accused Muthupandi picked up quarrel with him. Therefore, the de-facto complainant asked him why he unnecessarily picked u