Justice after 42 years: Court acquits 100-year-old man convicted for murder

In a ruling that underscores the impact of prolonged judicial delays, the Allahabad High Court has acquitted a 100-year-old man in a murder case dating back to 1982, giving him the benefit of the doubt and citing the extraordinary delay in deciding his appeal.

A division bench of Justices Chandradhari Singh and Sanjeev Kumar set aside the conviction of Dhaniram, who had been sentenced to life imprisonment by a sessions court in Hamirpur in 1984. His appeal against the conviction had remained pending before the High Court for over 40 years.

The case stems from the fatal shooting of a man named Gunwa on August 9, 1982, in Hamirpur district, allegedly linked to a land dispute.

According to the prosecution, the main accused, Maiku, fired the shot, while Dhaniram and another man, Sattidin, were accused of instigating the attack. A trial court convicted Dhaniram and Sattidin under charges of murder with common intention.

Both men challenged the verdict in the High Court and were granted bail during the pendency of the appeal. Over the decades that followed, the case remained unresolved. Sattidin died during this period, leaving Dhaniram as the sole surviving appellant.

In its judgment, the High Court noted that the principal alleged shooter, Maiku, was never apprehended.

The bench observed that the prolonged pendency of the appeal, coupled with the advanced age of the surviving accused, were significant factors that could not be ignored.

The court also extended the benefit of the doubt to Dhaniram, pointing to gaps in the prosecution’s case.

Setting aside the conviction, the court acquitted Dhaniram of all charges and ordered that his bail bonds be discharged.

The ruling is likely to revive discussion around delays in the criminal justice system, particularly in older cases that remain pending for decades, with profound consequences for both the accused and victims’ families.