High Court Reduces Death Penalty in Minor's Rape; Acquits Mother, Cites 'Raja Beta' Love

• Punjab & Haryana High Court commuted a man's death sentence for the rape and murder of a 5.5-year-old girl to rigorous life imprisonment (30 years without remission).
• The court acquitted the convict's mother, Kamla Devi, stating no IPC section exists to punish her for "protecting her Raja beta," despite her shielding her son.
• The murder was deemed a panic reaction to destroy evidence, not premeditated, leading to the reduction in sentence.
• The High Court increased the fine to Rs 30 lakh and observed the deep-rooted patriarchal mindset where mothers blindly protect "Raja Betas."
• The court emphasized that when two views on capital punishment are possible, the one against it should be preferred, especially with no evidence against reformation.

Why It Matters: Court reduces death penalty to life, acquits mother, highlighting societal issues of 'Raja Beta' protection.