In a strong message against domestic violence, the High Court of Karnataka has enhanced the conviction of a man who brutally attacked his wife with a razor and machete, ruling that the act clearly amounted to an attempt to murder. The Division Bench overturned the trial court’s leniency and imposed a five-year jail term.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to June 6, 2016, when the victim, Manjula, was living separately from her husband, Nagesh S.V., due to frequent harassment and abuse. According to the prosecution, the accused arrived at her residence in Harihara and attacked her with a razor blade and a machete.
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The assault left her with multiple injuries on the face, neck, hands, and a severe eye injury that permanently affected her vision. Neighbours rushed her to the hospital after hearing her screams. A police complaint was filed the same day.
The Sessions Court in Davanagere had earlier convicted the accused under Sections 498A (cruelty) and 326 (grievous hurt) of the IPC but acquitted him of the charge under Section 307 (attempt to murder).
Both sides challenged that verdict before the High Court.
What the Court Observed
A Division Bench comprising Justice H.P. Sandesh and Justice Venkatesh Naik T took a close look at the medical evidence, witness testimony, and the sequence of events.
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The court noted that:
- The victim suffered seven injuries, including deep cuts to the face, neck, palms, and permanent damage to the eye.
- The injuries were caused using deadly weapons, including a razor and a chopper.
- Multiple eyewitnesses saw the accused fleeing the scene immediately after the attack.
- The victim’s attempt to shield herself resulted in injuries to both palms, indicating a life-threatening assault.
“The nature of injuries and the manner of attack clearly show intention and knowledge to cause death,” the bench observed.
The judges also pointed out that the accused came prepared with weapons and attacked vital parts of the body, especially the neck and face - factors that strongly support a charge of attempt to murder.
Court Rejects Trial Court’s View
The High Court found fault with the trial court’s reasoning that the injuries were not sufficient to attract Section 307 IPC.
“The intention to kill cannot be judged only by the final result. It must be inferred from the weapon used, the body part targeted, and the force applied,” the court said.
The bench emphasized that loss of vision in one eye and multiple neck injuries could not be treated as simple or accidental harm.
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Final Decision
Allowing the State’s appeal and dismissing the accused’s plea, the High Court ruled:
- Conviction under Section 307 IPC (Attempt to Murder) restored
- Five years’ rigorous imprisonment imposed
- Fine of ₹1,00,000, with one year’s additional jail in default
- Conviction under Section 498A IPC upheld
- Benefit of set-off under Section 428 CrPC granted
“The evidence on record unmistakably establishes an attempt on the victim’s life,” the court concluded.
Case Title: State of Karnataka vs Nagesh S.V.
Case Numbers: Criminal Appeal No. 104/2018 & 1686/2017
Decision Date: 14 January 2026
