Rarest of rare doctrine applied to uphold conviction and death sentence for calculated multiple murders.

Conviction for multiple murders and attempted killings was upheld on reliable eye-witness and injured-witness evidence, and a hostile witness did not weaken the prosecution case. The plea of absence of motive and temporary psychic disorder was rejected because the record showed the acts were committed in a cool, calculated manner and the accused remained conscious of their nature. The death sentence was maintained after weighing the brutality of the offences, the multiplicity of killings, the vulnerability of the victims, and the absence of mitigating factors, applying the rarest of rare doctrine.

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Issues: Whether the findings of guilt and the death sentence called for interference on the grounds of absence of motive and alleged temporary psychic disorder.

Analysis: The conviction was sustained on reliable and clinching evidence, including the testimony of injured and eye-witness witnesses, and the hostile testimony of one witness did not dislodge the prosecution case. The Court held that the killings and attempted killings were committed in a cool and calculated manner, in quick succession, and that the appellant was conscious of the nature of his acts. The suggested absence of motive and the plea of temporary psychic disorder were rejected because the record did not support any sudden loss of mental equilibrium or incapacity to understand the acts. In sentencing, the Court balanced the brutality, multiplicity of murders, vulnerability of the victims, and the absence of mitigating circumstances, applying the principle that death sentence is reserved for the rarest of rare cases.

Conclusion: The findings of guilt were upheld and the death sentence was maintained; no interference was warranted.

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