The Karnataka High Court has dismissed the trial of a 68-year-old Bengaluru resident, Chandra alias Chandrashekar Bhat, in connection with a murder case registered 44 years ago in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna, in his order, emphasized the futility of pursuing the case. “If conviction is unlikely, allowing the trial would be a waste of precious judicial time. Thus, ends perhaps the state’s oldest criminal case,” the court stated.
The case, filed by Udupi police on June 8, 1979, revolved around a land dispute involving Sri Admar Math in Udupi. The prosecution alleged that Seetharama Bhat and Kitta alias Krishnappa stabbed Narayanan Nair and Kunhirama, with the latter succumbing to injuries. After trial, Bhat and Kitta were convicted, while two other accused, Sanjeeva Handa and Basava Handa, were acquitted.
Chandra, son-in-law of Sanjeeva Handa, argued that he had been employed in Bengaluru since 1979 and was neither summoned nor served a warrant. He sought anticipatory bail after learning of the pending case, which was rejected, prompting him to approach the High Court.
Justice Nagaprasanna noted the challenges of securing eyewitnesses after 44 years and highlighted that two co-accused were acquitted due to lack of identification. The court concluded that proceeding against Chandra would serve no purpose, as his presence at the crime scene could not be established.
The judgment underscores the importance of judicial efficiency and timely resolution of cases.
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