The Supreme Court of India has set aside the suspension of sentence granted to Hardevaram (A-1), convicted in the 2017 murder of Sardar Rao, and directed him to surrender within two weeks.

A Bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K. Vinod Chandran passed the order on October 27, 2026, while hearing the appeal challenging the Rajasthan High Court’s order dated August 3, 2026, which had suspended Hardevaram’s life sentence.

Advocate Rishi Matoliya assisted by by Nikhil Kumar Singh appeared on behalf of the deceased’s father, Hanuman Prasad.

The murder took place on August 23, 2017, in Palsana, Sikar district, Rajasthan. Sardar Rao, who was a candidate in the Sarpanch election, was murdered in the backdrop of electoral rivalry. The trial court convicted Hardevaram under Sections 302 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced him to life imprisonment, along with a fine of ₹50,000.

The Supreme Court found that the material on record prima facie supported the prosecution’s case regarding Hardevaram’s motive and involvement. It observed that the seriousness of the offence and the circumstances of the case warranted interference with the suspension of sentence.

The Court directed Hardevaram to surrender before the competent authority within two weeks. In the event of non-compliance, proceedings for his apprehension may be initiated.

The Court, however, did not disturb the suspension of sentence granted to the other accused, observing that the evidence against them stood on a different footing.

Lawrence Bishnoi was also an accused in the case and was acquitted by the trial court. The State Government has filed an appeal against his acquittal before the High Court.

Case Title: Hanuman Prasad @ Hanuta Ram v. State of Rajasthan & Ors.

Case Number: SLP (Crl.) Nos. 19778–19780 of 2026

Citation: 2026 INSC 1180

Date of Judgment: 27 October 2026

Bench: Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K. Vinod Chandran

Representation:-

For the Petitioner(s): Mr. Rishi Matoliya AOR, Mr. Nikhil Kumar Singh Advocate, Mr. Kshitish Bikarmia Advocate, Mr. Raghuveer Pujari Advocate, Ms. Sumati Sharma Advocate.

For the Respondent(s): Mr. Rajan Kumar Chaurasia Advocate, Mr. S. Udaya Sagar AOR, Ms. Satyama Dubey Advocate, Ms. Anjushree Verma Advocate, Ms. Roma Singh Advocate.