REPORTABLE 2026 INSC 257 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. OF 2026 [Arising out of SLP (Crl.) No. 19427 of 2025]

BHOLA MAHTO …APPELLANT VS.

THE STATE OF JHARKHAND …RESPONDENT

J U D G M E N T

1. Leave granted.

2. Appellant challenges the judgment and order dated 2^nd December, 2024, Digitally signed by of the High Court of Jharkhand at Ranchi², which was rendered while disposing of his appeal³ under Section 374(2), Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. While partly allowing such appeal by setting aside the conviction recorded by the relevant sessions court against the appellant under Section 302, Indian Penal Code, 18604 Signature Not Verified and the sentence of life imprisonment, a Division Bench of the High rashmi dhyani pant Date: 2026.03.18 Reason:1 impugned order

2 High Court

3 CRADB No. 58 of 2003

4 IPC Court altered the conviction to one under Section 304 - Part II, IPC and sentenced the appellant to 5 years rigorous imprisonment.

3. While hearing the appeal, we are reminded of the expression “give him an inch and he will ask for a mile”.

4. Having regard to the final order we propose to pass, it is not considered necessary to examine the a