In a recent decision, the Supreme Court of India changed the ruling against Nandkumar @ Nandu Manilal Mudaliar from murder to a less serious charge of culpable homicide. This change happened after a careful look at the events and evidence from Ahmedabad.
On January 31, 2000, the City Sessions Court in Ahmedabad found Nandkumar guilty of murder and sentenced him to life in prison, along with fines. The case involved the stabbing of Louis Williams on June 13, 1998. The High Court of Gujarat agreed with this decision on December 4, 2009.
"Nandkumar was sentenced to life in prison for murder and additional time for other charges."
The fight started on June 12, 1998, when Nandkumar argued with his brother. During this, he hurt Rajesh, the nephew of the person who died, with a knife. Later that night, Nandkumar went to Louis Williams' house, used bad language, and stabbed him. Louis was taken to L.G. Hospital but died on June 26, 1998, because of an infection.
The trial included statements from 14 witnesses, such as Gajraben (Louis' sister) and Rajesh. The medical evidence showed serious injuries, including a 5 cm wound on the stomach. Despite this, Nandkumar said he was innocent and claimed he was wrongly accused.
Justice N.V. Anjaria, along with Justice Aravind Kumar, looked at the case again. They noticed there was no plan to kill, suggesting the act was done in the heat of the moment rather than a planned murder. The court pointed out that anger and self-provocation played a role in the incident.
"The attack was done in the heat of the moment, without a plan to kill."
On November 10, 2025, the Supreme Court changed the conviction to culpable homicide. Nandkumar's sentence was adjusted to time served, as he had already spent over 14 years in jail.
"The conviction was changed to culpable homicide, with the sentence already served deemed sufficient."
