| ASPECTS | DETAILS |
| Case Title | Baba Natarajan Prasad vs. M. Revathi |
| Introduction | The case involves the appellant, challenging the acquittal of the accused, Ramani and another, by the First Appellate Court. The High Court later reversed the acquittal, leading to their conviction for the offence under Section 494 IPC (bigamy). |
| Factual Background | The appellant, husband of the respondent, filed a private complaint under Section 200 Cr.P.C. against the respondent for committing bigamy. |
| Legal Issues | Whether the High Court was justified in not enhancing the sentence despite restoring the conviction under Section 494 IPC. The appropriateness of the punishment imposed for the gravity of the offence. |
| Applicable Law | – Section 494 IPC (bigamy) , Proportionality principle in sentencing ,Relevant case laws such as Hazara Singh v. Raj Kumar, Shailesh Jasvantbhai v. State of Gujarat. |
| Analysis | The trial court appropriately appreciated the evidence and convicted the accused. The High Court restored the conviction but imposed a lenient sentence (imprisonment till rising of the court and a fine).The appellant contends that the sentence is inadequate for the gravity of the offence. |
| Conclusion | The Supreme Court is considering whether the High Court’s sentence was too lenient and if it needs enhancement. |
| Current Scenario | – The appellant seeks enhancement of the sentence for the convicted accused. The case underscores the principle of proportionality in sentencing for serious offences like bigamy. |
CASE SUMMARY – The appellant, challenged which was later reversed by the High Court, resulting in their conviction under Section 494 IPC for bigamy. The High Court imposed a lenient sentence of imprisonment till rising of the court and a fine, which the appellant contends is inadequate. The Supreme Court is now considering whether the High Court showed undue leniency and if the sentence requires enhancement, emphasizing the importance of proportionality in sentencing serious offences.
SOURCE – SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
