Mangaluru: A judgment of the State High Court, which took cognisance of a man from a poor family who has committed a mistake, has thus upheld the humanity. This phenomenon took place in Bantwal.
Aithappa Naik, (81) a resident of Karopadi Village in Bantwal Taluk of Dakshina Kannada District, belongs to a very poor family. In 2008, Naik had assaulted a neighbour over a land dispute. In the said case, the Bantwal Court had sentenced Aitappa Naik to three days in jail and imposed a fine of Rs. 10,000 on him. However, the complainant had files an appeal in a Court in Mangaluru seeking enhancement of the quantum of punishment for the accused. In 2014, the court had sentenced Aitappa Naik to two years in jail.
Aitappa Naik’s Lawyer had approached the High court challenging the verdict of the District Court in Mangaluru. The lawyers had sought exemption from punishment on the ground of age as the childless old man and his wife were alone at home. The judge also quashed the sentence of the Lower Court as the accused Aitappa Naik had not only confessed to his mistake but also expressed regret. Instead, he has been ordered to serve at the local Anganawadi for a year without pay.
Accordingly, elderly Aitappa Naik has now started cleaning work at the Anganawadi in Karopadi village.
Aitappa Naik was given a helping hand by a lawyer from Bantwal, who argued in the High Court and got justice. Instead of going to jail at this old age, he has been working at the Anganawadi near his house. Since February 20, he has been cleaning the Anganawadi and watering the plants every day.
Rash behaviors sometimes become a problem not only for the wrongdoer, but for the entire family. The State High Court’s verdict on Aitthappa Naik in the case has thus upheld the message of humanity.
