Supreme Court upholds life term in 2003 Bengaluru Ring Road murder, grants 8 weeks for mercy plea

In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court has confirmed the life imprisonment sentences of Shubha Shankarnarayan and three others involved in the 2003 Bengaluru 'Ring Road Murder' case. The apex court, while upholding the convictions, has given the convicts a window of eight weeks to file mercy petitions before the Governor of Karnataka. Until then, they will not be taken into custody.

Also Read:Supreme Court asks centre to reclaim official residence from former CJI Chandrachud

The case, which had shocked the city two decades ago, involved the murder of BV Girish, a 27-year-old software professional, by assailants allegedly hired by his fiancée Shubha, then a law student. Just days after their engagement, Girish was lured to the HAL airport viewing point, where he was brutally attacked and later died from head injuries.

Investigations led by the Viveknagar police revealed that Shubha was secretly in a relationship with Arun Varma, her junior in college. Along with two accomplices, the group orchestrated the murder so Shubha could pursue her relationship with Arun. In 2010, a lower court sentenced all four to life imprisonment, a verdict that was upheld by the Karnataka High Court.

While delivering its final verdict, the Supreme Court acknowledged Shubha's emotional turmoil at the time but emphasized that her actions resulted in the death of an innocent man. The bench stated that while mental confusion should be understood with compassion, it cannot excuse a premeditated act of violence. The court also highlighted the need for a rehabilitative approach, offering the convicts the opportunity to seek clemency.