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100-Year-Old Acquitted After 40-Year Wait
5 Feb
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.
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.
