Temple theft case: Delhi court sends duo to jail
What's the story
A Delhi court has upheld the conviction of two persons by a magisterial court in a temple theft case, saying the duo had "no fear of God".
The sessions court ordered the duo, who stole silver articles from a temple in south-east Delhi, to remain in jail for six months.
The sessions court also refused to quash the jail term awarded to them.
Court's decision
They have no fear of law and God: Court judge
The court's decision came on the appeal of the convicts, against the magisterial court's order sentencing them to six-month imprisonment for stealing silver articles from the temple in East Kidwai Nagar.
"I concur with the observations of trial court that conduct of the appellants in possessing stolen property belonging to the temple shows that they've no fear of law and God," said the Judge.
Sentencing
"To discourage the conduct, the sentencing should be in proportion"
Additional Sessions Judge Neera Bharihoke said, "In order to discourage that conduct, it is necessary that the sentencing should be in proportion."
"I've also perused the testimony of all the witnesses of the prosecution and found them to be trustworthy and reliable witnesses. They've corroborated each other on material points and their testimonies have also remained unshattered and unshaken in their cross-examination," Bharihoke said.
Complaint
Complaint against the duo was lodged in June 2012
The court also rejected the contention of the convicts that there were no independent witnesses, saying it was not fatal to the prosecution's case.
According to the prosecution, a complaint was lodged by Trilok Nath Dhir, president of Shri Hindu Dharam Pracharini Sabha, in June 2012 that the duo had stolen over one kg silver articles from the temple.
Information
The convicts were arrested in July 2012
The duo was arrested in July 2012 under Sections 411 (dishonestly receiving stolen property) of the IPC. The magisterial court had on August 18, 2015, held them guilty and sentenced them to six months imprisonment along with a fine of Rs. 500 each.