Quick Summary: The Madras High Court confirmed the life sentence of Manikandan @ Mickel @ Appu for the murder of his uncle in Karaikal. The case, based on indirect evidence, involved family disputes and was decided on January 29, 2026.
On March 23, 2014, a murder happened in Karaikal, Puducherry. The victim was killed by his nephew, Manikandan @ Mickel @ Appu, allegedly pushed by other family members due to ongoing fights. The case was first tried in Karaikal's District and Sessions Court, where Manikandan was found guilty on August 20, 2019.
The prosecution presented 18 witnesses and 20 documents to support their case. The defense argued there was no direct evidence, relying only on indirect evidence. They pointed out inconsistencies, like the unnatural testimony of a neighbor, P.W.3, who claimed Manikandan confessed to him.
"No one would willingly tell someone else about a crime they committed," argued Manikandan's lawyer.
The appeal was heard by Justices P. Velmurugan and M. Jothiraman. They looked at the indirect evidence, including the motive, the theory of being last seen, and the finding of the murder weapon. P.W.3's testimony about seeing Manikandan with a blood-stained shirt was crucial, despite claims it was unreliable.
The court found that family fights, including land issues and marital problems, provided a reason. Evidence from P.W.1, the victim's daughter, and others supported this. The court also noted that Manikandan had injuries that matched a struggle, as confirmed by medical reports.
The finding of the murder weapon was based on Manikandan's confession during police custody, supported by P.W.12, the Village Administrative Officer. This evidence was considered acceptable and important in linking Manikandan to the crime.
The judges emphasized that even though the case relied on indirect evidence, it was strong enough to uphold the conviction. They noted that Manikandan failed to provide any reasonable explanation for the evidence against him.
"His silence and failure to explain any of the incriminating circumstances strengthened the prosecution case," the court observed.
The appeal was dismissed on January 29, 2026, with the court instructing that Manikandan serve the remaining period of his life sentence. The decision highlighted the court's reliance on well-established principles of indirect evidence.
