Madras High Court Upholds Life Sentence in Engineering Student's Classroom Murder; Criticises Eyewitnesses for Turning Hostile During Trial

The Madras High Court has upheld the conviction and life imprisonment sentence of a former engineering student who murdered a fellow student inside her college classroom after she ended their relationship. While dismissing the appeal, the Court also expressed serious concern over the conduct of several student eyewitnesses who either failed to support the prosecution during trial or changed their statements after previously describing the incident before a Magistrate.

The case arose from a brutal attack in which the accused entered a classroom carrying a wooden log and repeatedly assaulted a third-year engineering student. An Assistant Professor who attempted to intervene was also injured during the incident. The victim later died from severe head injuries.

The accused challenged his conviction before the High Court, arguing that the identification evidence was unreliable because no Test Identification Parade had been conducted. Rejecting the argument, the Division Bench held that identification parades are merely investigative tools and that reliable identification before the court by a witness can be sufficient. The Court found the testimony of the injured Assistant Professor trustworthy and strongly supported by medical evidence.

The Bench noted that several student witnesses turned hostile despite allegedly witnessing the attack. It observed that while students may not have been able to physically intervene during the violent incident, they were expected to assist the justice process by truthfully testifying in court.

Finding the prosecution evidence clear and convincing, the Court concluded that the trial court had correctly appreciated the facts and law. Accordingly, it affirmed the conviction and life sentence imposed on the accused.

Case: Udayakumar v. State (2026:MHC:2128)

Court: Madras High Court

Bench: Justice N. Anand Venkatesh and Justice K. K. RamakrishnanDecision Date: 16 June 2026