Thu Dec 26 09:28:10 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka High Court Quashes 44-Year-Old Murder Case, Citing Futility
**Bengaluru, Karnataka –** The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a 44-year-old murder case, ending what the court described as possibly the state’s oldest unresolved criminal case. Justice M Nagaprasanna quashed the proceedings against 68-year-old Chandrashekar Bhat, a Bengaluru resident, citing the improbability of a successful conviction after such a lengthy period.
The case, originating from a 1979 land dispute in Udupi, involved the alleged stabbing death of Kunhirama. Seetharama Bhat and Kitta alias Krishnappa were initially convicted, though Kitta’s conviction was later overturned on appeal. Seetharama Bhat’s conviction was upheld, and other co-accused, Sanjeeva Handa and Basava Handa, were acquitted.
Udupi police recently attempted to prosecute Chandrashekar Bhat, alleging he had been absconding. Bhat, however, maintained he was unaware of the case, having resided in Bengaluru since 1979. He claimed he was never served a summons or warrant.
His anticipatory bail plea was rejected by a lower court, leading him to appeal to the High Court. Justice Nagaprasanna ruled that the unavailability of key witnesses after 44 years rendered a fair trial impossible. The court further noted that the acquittal of other accused due to lack of eyewitness testimony applied equally to Bhat.
The judge stated that continuing the prosecution would be a wasteful expenditure of judicial resources. The court’s decision effectively closes the book on this decades-old case.
First Piper 