THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
New Delhi, June 24: The Supreme Court has refused to grant an exemption from surrender to a former Black Cat commando convicted of dowry death, asserting that military service does not shield one from legal accountability in domestic crimes.
No Special Treatment for Special Forces
The convict, found guilty under Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code for the death of his wife, had appealed against a Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling that upheld his 10-year sentence. He requested an exemption from surrender during the ongoing Supreme Court proceedings.
Citing his background, the petitioner’s counsel stated, “I am a participant of Operation Sindoor. For the past 20 years, I have served as a Black Cat commando with the Rashtriya Rifles.”
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SC Bench: ‘Service Doesn’t Excuse Atrocity’
However, the Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Vinod Chandran, rejected the plea outright.
“That doesn’t give you immunity for committing atrocity at home,” Justice Bhuyan said. “It only shows how physically fit you were—fit enough to strangle your wife.”
He noted, “Exemption is granted when the sentence is six months, three months, or a year—not in cases as grave as this.”
Court Highlights Seriousness of Offence
Justice Chandran emphasised that the High Court had already dismissed the convict’s appeal. “You are here on special leave,” he reminded the counsel.
The defence argued the case rested solely on statements from two close relatives of the deceased and claimed the testimonies were inconsistent. “I can demonstrate they are highly discrepant,” the lawyer insisted.
Notice Issued, But Surrender Still Required
While the Court agreed to issue a notice on the special leave petition—returnable in six weeks—it firmly rejected the request for exemption from surrender.
“We decline the prayer for exemption from surrendering,” the bench ruled, granting the petitioner two weeks to comply.
