Tuesday, Apr 29 2025 | Time 06:02 Hrs(IST)
IndiaPosted at: Apr 29 2025 12:15AM


SC upholds convictions in Tamil Nadu honour killing case

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the convictions in the infamous 'Kannagi-Murugesan' honour killing case from Tamil Nadu, dismissing appeals filed by nine convicts and two policemen challenging the Madras High Court's 2022 judgment.
A bench, comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and P K Mishra, confirmed the life sentences awarded to the convicts, including Kannagi's father and brother, and dismissed the appeals of two police officers convicted for fabricating evidence during the investigation.
The case involved the brutal murder of an inter-caste couple, S Murugesan and D Kannagi.
Murugesan, a Dalit and chemical engineering graduate, and Kannagi, a Commerce graduate from the Vanniyar community, had secretly married on May five, 2003.
Upon discovering the marriage, Kannagi’s family apprehended the couple on July seven, 2003, forced them to drink poison, and subsequently burned their bodies.
Recognized as one of the first honour killing cases in Tamil Nadu, the matter was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after the local police conducted a flawed probe.
In 2021, the trial court sentenced Marudupandian, Kannagi’s brother, to death and awarded life imprisonment to 12 others, including her father. In 2022, the Madras High Court commuted Marudupandian’s death penalty to life imprisonment and confirmed the life sentences of nine others, while acquitting two individuals.
The Supreme Court today not only upheld the High Court's findings but also directed the State to pay Rs five lakh compensation jointly to the father and stepmother of Murugesan.
Delivering a strong message against caste-based violence, the Court observed, "At the root of this crime is the deeply entrenched hierarchical caste system in India, and ironically, this most dishonorable act goes by the name of honour-killing."
It further added, "A crime is an act against the State. But a wicked and odious crime, as the one we have just dealt with, is the ugly reality of our deeply entrenched caste structure. Honour-killing, as these are called, must get a strong measure of punishment."
Senior Advocates Siddharth Agarwal and Gopal Sankaranarayanan appeared for the appellants, while Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee represented the CBI. Advocate Rahul Shyam Bhandari appeared for the parents of Murugesan.
UNI SNG SS
Tags: #SC upholds convictions in Tamil Nadu honour killing case
More News

SC upholds convictions in Tamil Nadu honour killing case

29 Apr 2025 | 12:15 AM

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the convictions in the infamous 'Kannagi-Murugesan' honour killing case from Tamil Nadu, dismissing appeals filed by nine convicts and two policemen challenging the Madras High Court's 2022 judgment.

see more..

SC dismisses plea against slum demolition in Ahmedabad

29 Apr 2025 | 12:13 AM

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a litigant’s plea challenging demolition undertaken for redevelopment purposes in a slum area of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, .

see more..
Delhi court extends Tahawwur Rana's NIA custody by 12 days

Delhi court extends Tahawwur Rana's NIA custody by 12 days

28 Apr 2025 | 11:31 PM

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) A Delhi court on Monday extended 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused, Tahawwur Rana's National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody by 12 days.

see more..
SC slams Centre over delay in cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims

SC slams Centre over delay in cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims

28 Apr 2025 | 11:27 PM

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on the Centre for the delay in implementing a cashless treatment scheme for motor accident victims, questioning the government's seriousness towards the welfare of the common man.

see more..
Pahalgam terror attack: Cong leaders' statements not party's stance, says Jairam Ramesh

Pahalgam terror attack: Cong leaders' statements not party's stance, says Jairam Ramesh

28 Apr 2025 | 6:15 PM

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) The Congress on Monday said that the statements made by some of its leaders regarding the Pahalgam terror attack were their personal views and do not represent the party’s official stance.

see more..