In that view of the matter, we are inclined to suspend the sentence of the applicant/appellant, during the pendency of the appeal(s). 8. The appellant is directed to be released on bail in connection with Sessions Case No.`203 of 2016, on such terms and conditions as may be imposed by the Trial Court.

by Sekar Reporter · September 19, 2025

ITEM NO.3 COURT NO.1 SECTION II-D
S U P R E M E C O U R T O F I N D I A
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Criminal Appeal No(s). 145/2025 FR. EDWIN PIGAREZ Appellant(s)
VERSUS
STATE OF KERALA & ANR. Respondent(s)
(IA No. 121324/2024 – CONDONATION OF DELAY IN FILING THE
SPARE COPIES, IA No. 93238/2024 – EXEMPTION FROM FILING C/C OF THE IMPUGNED JUDGMENT, IA No. 93241/2024 – EXEMPTION
FROM FILING O.T., IA No. 67475/2025 – SUSPENSION OF
SENTENCE)

WITH
Crl.A. No. 146/2025 (II-D)
(FOR ADMISSION and I.R. and IA No.234272/2024-EXEMPTION FROM FILING O.T.)

Date : 17-09-2025 These matters were called on for hearing today.
CORAM :
HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE
HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE K. VINOD CHANDRAN
For Appellant(s) :
Mr. P.V. Surendranath, Sr. Adv.
Mr. Harshad V. Hameed, AOR Mr. Dileep Poolakkot, Adv.
Mrs. Ashly Harshad, Adv.
Mr. Sawan Kumar Shukla, Adv.
Ms. Lekha Sudhakaran, Adv.
Mr. R Basant, Sr. Adv.
Ms. Sweena Madhavan Nair, AOR Mr. Raunak Arora, Adv.
Mr. Sebastian Simon, Adv.
Ms. Yogita, Adv.

For Respondent(s) :
Mr. R. Basant, Sr. Adv. Ms. Sweena Madhavan Nair, AOR Mr. Raunak Arora, Adv.
Mr. Sebastian, Adv.
Ms. Yogita, Adv.

Mr. P.V. Surendranath, Sr. Adv.
Mr. Harshad V. Hameed, AOR Mr. Dileep Poolakkot, Adv.
Mrs. Ashly Harshad, Adv.
Mr. Sawan Kumar Shukla, Adv.
Ms. Lekha Sudhakaran, Adv.

UPON hearing the counsel the Court made the following
O R D E R
IA No. 67475/2025 – SUSPENSION OF SENTENCE
1. By way of this application, the
applicant/appellant is seeking suspension of sentence/grant of bail, during the pendency of the appeal(s).
2. We have heard Mr. R. Basant, learned senior counsel appearing for the applicant/appellant and Mr. P.V. Surendranath, learned senior counsel appearing for the respondent(s).
3. Mr. Surenderanath, learned senior counsel has vehemently opposed this application on the ground that the applicant/appellant has been concurrently held guilty for committing the heinous offence.
4. Perusal of the Section 376(2)(i) & (n) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 would reveal that though for the said offence, the sentence upto life imprisonment can be granted, the minimum sentence is 10 years.
5. The applicant/appellant had already suffered incarceration for almost 10 years.
6. Even if this Court accepts the sentence of 20
years imposed by the High Court, the
applicant/appellant has still undergone half of the sentence.
7. In that view of the matter, we are inclined to suspend the sentence of the applicant/appellant, during the pendency of the appeal(s).
8. The appellant is directed to be released on bail in connection with Sessions Case No.`203 of 2016, on such terms and conditions as may be imposed by the Trial Court.
9. The application is, accordingly, disposed of.
(DEEPAK SINGH) (ANU BHALLA)
ASTT. REGISTRAR-cum-PS COURT MASTER (NSH)