Vitla: 81-yo man spared jail time for admitting guilt; Assigned community service instead

In a display of compassion, the High Court has overturned a lower court ruling and instructed an 81-year-old man,  to work without compensation at a nearby Anganwadi for one year.

Aithappa Naik, who hails from Karopadi village and comes from an economically disadvantaged family, had been convicted of assaulting a neighbor in 2008 during a land dispute.

The Bantwal court had originally sentenced him to three days in jail and a fine of Rs. 10,000, but the complainant appealed the decision in the Mangaluru court, requesting harsher punishment. In 2014, Naik was sentenced to two years in jail.

Naik’s lawyer subsequently appealed to the Karnataka High Court, requesting clemency due to Naik’s advanced age and his wife being alone at home.

After Naik admitted his guilt and expressed regret for his actions, the High Court overturned the previous sentence and ordered him to work at the local Anganwadi, where he has been responsible for cleaning and watering plants since February 20.