Introduction:

In a historic judgment, a Kerala court has sentenced 14 individuals to death for the murder of BJP leader and lawyer Ranjith Sreenivasan in December 2021. This marks the first instance in Kerala where such a substantial number of death penalties have been awarded in a single case. The verdict comes after the Additional Sessions Court Mavelikara found 15 members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) guilty, with one convict currently hospitalized.

Arguments of Both Sides:

The prosecution argued that the murder of Advocate Ranjith Sreenivasan was a politically motivated act of retaliation following the killing of SDPI worker KS Shan. The court noted a chain of events starting with the murder of RSS-associated Nandu R. Krishna, speculating that the accused anticipated reprisal and prepared a list of potential targets from the rival organization. The defense, if any, remains unreported, and the accused displayed no remorse during the trial.

Court’s Judgement:

The court found the first eight accused guilty of murder, while the others were convicted of criminal conspiracy. Notably, the judge highlighted the lack of remorse exhibited by the accused, emphasizing their belief in the moral justification of their actions. The court described the attack on Sreenivasan as ghastly, occurring within three minutes and resulting in 46 severe injuries, including shattered skull and teeth. The brutality unfolded in the presence of the victim’s family, adding to the gravity of the crime.