The Orissa High Court commuted the death sentence of Sheikh Asif Ali, convicted for the rape and murder of a six-year-old girl, to life imprisonment. The court noted that Asif Ali has been practicing Namaz several times. While acknowledging the heinous nature of the crime, describing it as “horrendous, devilish, and barbaric,” the court emphasized that the case was based on circumstantial evidence and lacked proof of premeditation. Asif Ali, along with Sk Akil Ali, was convicted by the Pocso Court in Jagatsinghpur for the crime committed on November 21, 2022. This decision highlights the complexities involved in adjudicating such serious cases.
![[Laila Khan Murder Case 2011] Stepfather Sentenced to Death in 'Rarest of Rare' Case](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-129-1.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Today (24th May): Parvez Tak was sentenced to death by the Mumbai sessions court for the 2011 murders of Laila Khan and her family. The court found him guilty of multiple charges and emphasized the brutality and premeditated nature of the killings. The death sentence now awaits confirmation from the Bombay High Court. Tak was also sentenced to seven years’ rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 10,000.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the provision in the SC/ST Act that mandates capital punishment for false evidence. The challenge argues it contradicts the “rarest-of-rare” standard for capital punishment. The petitioner highlighted previous rulings, and the court plans to consider reforms in other penal laws. No cases of capital punishment under this provision have been found.