Jharkhand High Court Commutes Death Sentence After Split Verdict — Split Verdict + Confirmation of Death Sentence Not Enough

Jharkhand High Court commuted death sentences awarded to two convicts in a 2013 Maoist ambush case — where six policemen were killed — ruling that a split verdict by the Division Bench (one judge dissenting on conviction) makes confirmation of death sentence impermissible. While the Court upheld the conviction based on eyewitness testimony, it emphasised that judicial unanimity on guilt is a prerequisite before awarding capital punishment. The judgment underscores that in a case of divided judicial opinion, the benefit of doubt must go to the accused for sentencing even if crimes are heinous.