Whalesbook
Apex Court Reverses High Court Acquittal in Dr. Subbiah Murder
The Supreme Court reinstated trial court convictions in the 2013 murder of neurosurgeon Dr. S Subbiah, finding the Madras High Court erred in its acquittal of the accused. The case originated from a property dispute.
Nine Convicted Individuals Sentenced to Life Imprisonment
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma ordered life imprisonment for nine individuals involved in the assassination. The State of Tamil Nadu will not pursue the death penalty. The Court found the High Court's reversal of the trial court's verdict unsustainable due to inadequate evidence appreciation. The convicts must surrender within two weeks.
Property Dispute Fueled Fatal Attack
The murder occurred on September 14, 2013, when Dr. Subbiah was attacked with sickles outside Billroth Hospital, leading to his death on September 23. Prosecution argued that Ponnuswamy, his wife Mary Pushpam, their sons Basil and Boris, and associates conspired to murder Dr. Subbiah. The motive was reportedly to control a two-acre property in Kanyakumari district, after Dr. Subbiah initiated legal action against the family for alleged trespass.
Special Consideration for Elderly Parents
The Supreme Court acknowledged the secondary role of Ponnuswamy and Mary Pushpam, citing a "misplaced parental obligation." While their conduct was not excused, the Court granted them an eight-week period to petition the Governor of Tamil Nadu for pardon under Article 161 of the Constitution. They are protected from arrest during this period until their petitions are decided.