Parties: TULASAREDDI @ MUDAKAPPA vs. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA
Lawyers: S-LEGAL ASSOCIATES
Judges: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE PRASHANT KUMAR MISHRA, HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VIPUL M. PANCHOLI
Decision By: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VIPUL M. PANCHOLI
Case Number: 3671/2024
In a surprising turn of events, the Supreme Court of India has overturned the conviction of four people accused of murder in Karnataka. The case, which has been ongoing since 2011, involved a complex mix of accusations, conspiracies, and legal battles.
It all started on December 11, 2011, when Martandgouda from Hulkoti village in Gadag District went missing. His son, after hearing from his mother about his father's disappearance, filed a missing person report at Gadag Rural Police Station on December 16, 2011.
"My father has been missing since December 11," the son reported, leading to the registration of FIR No. 277/2011.
As the investigation continued, Martandgouda's son began to suspect his uncle, Veerupakshagouda, because of earlier land disputes. The suspicion extended to others, including Tulasareddi @ Mudakappa and Ningappa, who had money disagreements with the deceased.
The prosecution claimed a plan involving multiple people who supposedly kidnapped and murdered Martandgouda, getting rid of his body to avoid punishment.
The case went to trial in Sessions Case No. 37/2012, where charges were made against six accused on October 20, 2012. However, on March 30, 2019, the Additional District and Sessions Judge in Gadag found all accused not guilty, citing insufficient evidence and a lack of a complete chain of events.
"Suspicion, however strong, cannot take the place of proof," the trial court emphasized.
The not-guilty verdict was challenged by the complainant and the State of Karnataka, leading to a High Court judgment on November 28, 2023, which found four of the accused guilty under various sections of the IPC, including murder and criminal conspiracy.
On January 16, 2026, the Supreme Court, led by Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, overturned the High Court's decision, restoring the trial court's not-guilty verdict. The judgment highlighted the lack of strong evidence and the failure to prove the conspiracy beyond reasonable doubt.
"The High Court has failed to consider the principles while dealing with the acquittal appeals," the Supreme Court noted.
The Supreme Court's decision highlights the importance of solid evidence in criminal convictions. The accused, who were previously found guilty by the High Court, have been ordered to be released immediately unless they are needed in other cases.
