Supreme Court orders stay on life imprisonment sentence under IPC Sections 302 and 120B by Chhattisgarh High Court
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India has ordered a stay on the conviction and life imprisonment sentence of Amit Jogi, son of late Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, in connection with a high-profile murder case. The case, which has been closely followed due to its political implications, saw the Supreme Court intervene and halt the execution of the Chhattisgarh High Court's decision.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and Vijay Bishnoi issued the order in response to a Special Leave Petition filed by Amit Jogi. The Chhattisgarh High Court had earlier convicted Jogi under Section 302 (murder) read with Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, sentencing him to life imprisonment and imposing a fine.
The Supreme Court's decision comes after considering arguments from both sides, with the petitioner represented by senior advocates including Kapil Sibal and Mukul Rohatgi, while the Central Bureau of Investigation, the respondent, was represented by senior advocate Sidharth Luthra. The apex court has instructed that the effect and operation of the impugned High Court judgment dated April 2, 2026, be stayed.
Additionally, the Supreme Court has stayed the order dated March 25, 2026, by the High Court of Chhattisgarh in CR.M.P. No.495 of 2011, further reinforcing its stance to maintain the status quo until the matter is heard in detail.
This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal proceedings, potentially impacting political equations in the state. The Supreme Court has issued notices to the respondents, directing them to respond within four weeks, while granting an exemption to Amit Jogi from surrendering.
Bottom Line:
Supreme Court stays the effect and operation of judgments passed by the High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur, including one convicting the appellant under Section 302 read with Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, sentencing him to life imprisonment.
Statutory provision(s): Indian Penal Code, 1860 Sections 302 and 120B
Amit Jogi v. Central Bureau of Investigation, (SC) : Law Finder Doc id # 2887767
