Fri Jan 16 15:20:57 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Kerala High Court Overturns Murder Conviction, Cites Denial of Fair Trial
The Story: The Kerala High Court has overturned the life sentence of Babu C.G., who was convicted of murder in 2012 and has spent 14 years in prison. The court cited a denial of fair trial, pointing to ineffective legal aid, excessive delays, and the trial judge assuming the role of the prosecutor. Babu C.G. was initially convicted under Section 302 and Section 324 of the IPC for fatally stabbing a person during a card game in Pampady, Kottayam in 2011.
The High Court’s Division Bench stated that the sessions judge exceeded their powers by conducting the “chief examination” themselves. Further, the court noted that many witnesses were examined in the absence of the accused, and the trial was adjourned over 100 times. Babu C.G. had filed an appeal, alleging improper evaluation of evidence after serving seven years in judicial custody by 2019.
Key Points:
- Babu C.G.’s murder conviction was overturned by the Kerala High Court on January 16, 2026.
- He had been imprisoned since 2012 for a crime committed in 2011.
- The High Court cited ineffective legal aid, excessive delays, and the trial judge acting as prosecutor as reasons for overturning the conviction.
- Witnesses were examined in the absence of the accused, and the trial was adjourned over 100 times.
- Babu C.G. spent 14 years in prison before the High Court’s decision.
Key Takeaways:
- The Kerala High Court’s decision highlights the importance of due process and fair trial in the Indian legal system.
- The case underscores the potential for judicial overreach and the consequences of ineffective legal representation.
- The long duration of the trial and Babu C.G.’s lengthy imprisonment demonstrate the need for judicial reforms to expedite legal proceedings.
- This ruling emphasizes the High Court’s role in safeguarding constitutional rights, particularly Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
First Piper 