IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION

CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.616 OF 2002

N. Bheemachari      ...Appellant(s)

Versus

State of Karnataka and Anr.      ...Respondent(s)

O  R  D  E  R

Heard learned counsel for the parties.

Learned counsel  appearing  for  the  appellant  pressed  the  appeal  on the  question  of  sentence  only.   He  stated  that  the  occurrence  had  taken  place  about  

twenty  two  years  ago  and  the  appellant  has  remained  in  custody  for  about  two  months.

Having taken into consideration the totality of the circumstances, we are of  the  view  that  ends  of  justice  would  be  met  in  case  the  sentence  of  five  years’  

imprisonment  awarded  against  the  appellant  is  reduced  to  the  period  already  undergone by him.

Accordingly,  the  appeal  is  allowed  in-part  and  the  sentence  of  imprisonment  awarded  against  the  appellant  is  reduced  to  the  period  already  

undergone by him. The appellant, who is on bail, is discharged from the liability of bail bonds.

......................J.       [B.N. AGRAWAL]

......................J.       [G.S. SINGHVI]

New Delhi, April 30, 2009.