Kerala HC doubles compensation for RSS leader’s brutal attack, condemns political violence [Read Judgment]

Kerala: The Kerala High Court has delivered a significant judgment, increasing the compensation for a brutal political attack that led to the amputation of both legs of an RSS leader, while emphasizing the need to curb political violence.

Kerala High Court Increases Compensation for RSS Leader’s Attack Victim

Justice C.S. Sudha pronounced the judgment while addressing both a criminal appeal and a revision petition related to the case, which dates back to 1994.

The court enhanced the compensation amount from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 for each of the eight CPI(M) workers convicted in the attack on C. Sadanandan, who was then the district upakaryavahak of the RSS in Kannur.

Political Violence in Kerala: HC Upholds Conviction, Enhances Compensation

The court remarked, “Political parties have to deal with or finish their political opponents in the electoral battlefield and not engage in bloodshed or remove opponents from the face of the earth itself.” The judgment strongly condemned the practice of silencing political opponents through violence.

Describing the attack, the court observed that on January 25, 1994, around 8:30 PM, the accused attacked Sadanandan with sharp weapons, severing both his legs. They also hurled a bomb to prevent anyone from coming to his rescue.

The court highlighted the premeditated nature of the crime, stating, “The incident did not happen in a fit of rage or sudden provocation. The attack seems to have been premeditated and well planned.”

The motive for the attack was revealed to be political rivalry, as Sadanandan had switched from SFI (affiliated with CPI(M)) to the RSS in 1983. The court noted that he had become “a charismatic and efficient leader” in expanding RSS influence in the region.

While the accused pleaded for leniency, citing their advanced age (above 75 years), the court upheld the original prison sentence of seven years, considering the brutality of the attack. However, it increased the compensation, acknowledging the victim’s 31-year wait for justice and the permanent disability caused by the assault.

The convicted persons were found guilty under various sections of the IPC, including Sections 143, 147, 326, 342, and 307.

Sri S. Rajeev and Sri K.K. Dheerendrakrishnan represented the victim, while Senior Advocate P. Vijaya Bhanu, assisted by Advocate Sruthy N. Bhat, appeared for the accused. Smt. Sheeba Thomas served as the Public Prosecutor.

Case Title: Sadanandan vs. State of Kerala & Ors.

 [Read Judgment]