#sentencing proportionality

The High Court upheld the Section 6 POCSO conviction for kidnapping and sexual assault of a minor but held the 30-year simple imprisonment sentence statutorily impermissible and disproportionate. It reduced the sentence to 15 years rigorous imprisonment, factoring in the appellant's youth at the time of offence, clean record, and over 11 years already incarcerated.

The Allahabad High Court ruled that a conviction under Section 304-B IPC can rest solely on a trustworthy dying declaration, rejecting arguments of delayed FIR. The Court also held that life imprisonment is not mandatory and must be proportionate to the accused's culpability, commuting sentences to time served for the appellants.

Himachal Pradesh High Court rules that police testimony alone suffices for conviction under NDPS Act when contraband is recovered during patrolling, even without independent witnesses. The court upheld a heroin possession conviction while reducing the sentence from five to one year on proportionality grounds, clarifying that seal non-production is not fatal if specimen impressions are exhibited.

Chhattisgarh High Court rules that an axe qualifies as a 'dangerous weapon' under Section 326 IPC based on its inherent nature, not the accused's intent. The court reduced sentences to 9, 6, and 3 months due to a 27-year trial delay, emphasizing proportionality and victim compensation over incarceration.

MP High Court affirms conviction under IPC 467 and 471 for using a forged driving licence but reduces imprisonment to time served, emphasizing proportionality in sentencing for first-time offenders. The ruling mandates enhanced fines as a deterrent while rejecting disproportionate jail terms for non-violent document forgery.