Quick Summary: Gangaram Magan Chavan's request to reduce his life sentence for killing his wife was denied by the Bombay High Court. He will continue serving his sentence in Maharashtra.
Gangaram Magan Chavan was found guilty of killing his wife, Anjudevi. On July 22, 2007, in Greater Mumbai, he poured kerosene on her and set her on fire with a candle. Sadly, she suffered severe burns and died from an infection. On December 17, 2008, he was sentenced to life in prison for murder.
Chavan's attempt to challenge his conviction was rejected on December 12, 2013. He had hoped for a different outcome, but the court kept the original decision.
Chavan filed a request from jail, asking to be put in a different category of prisoners that would allow him to serve a 22-year sentence instead of life. The request was reviewed by Judges A.S. Gadkari and Shyam C. Chandak on January 12, 2026.
"The right department of the Government of Maharashtra has correctly placed the Petitioner in category No.2(c) of the Guidelines," said the court.
The court noted that Chavan was often drunk and argued with his wife. On the night of the incident, he was intoxicated and attacked her after she asked him to buy medicine for their sick child. His violent actions led to her death, and the court found no reason to change his sentence.
The court rejected the request, stating there was no good reason for Chavan's plea. He remains in the category for crimes involving extreme violence, requiring a life sentence.
