Why was the 100-year-old man acquitted?

The 100-year-old man was acquitted because his murder case appeal had been pending for over 40 years, and the court extended him the benefit of the doubt.

When did the original incident occur?

The original incident, a fatal shooting linked to a land dispute, occurred on August 9, 1982.

What was the sentence given in the original conviction?

The man was originally sentenced to life imprisonment by a sessions court in 1984.

Home / Crime and Justice / 100-Year-Old Acquitted After 40-Year Wait

100-Year-Old Acquitted After 40-Year Wait

5 Feb

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Summary

A 100-year-old man was acquitted of murder charges.
His appeal was pending before the High Court for over 40 years.
The court cited extraordinary delay and benefit of doubt.

100-Year-Old Acquitted After 40-Year Wait

The Allahabad High Court has acquitted a 100-year-old man, Dhaniram, in a murder case that dates back to August 1982. His appeal against a 1984 conviction had remained pending for over four decades before the High Court.

Dhaniram was accused of instigating the fatal shooting of Gunwa in Hamirpur district, allegedly over a land dispute. The prosecution claimed the main shooter was never apprehended, and Dhaniram, along with another accused who later died, were alleged to have instigated the attack.

The court acknowledged the prolonged pendency of the appeal and the accused's advanced age as critical factors. Dhaniram was granted bail during the appeal and has remained free for decades.