- 1 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:8891-DB CRL.A No. 1178 of 2021 IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU DATED THIS THE 13TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2026 PRESENT THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.P.SANDESH AND THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VENKATESH NAIK T CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.1178 OF 2021 BETWEEN: 1. STATE OF KARNATAKA, BY C.O.D.POLICE, CARLTON HOUSE, BENGALURU, REP. BY STATE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT BUILDING, BENGALURU-560001. …APPELLANT (BY SMT. RASHMI JADHAV, ADDL. SPP) AND: 1. SRI. RANGE GOWDA, AGED ABOUT 67 YEARS, S/O SRI NINGE GOWDA, R/O. YELAHANKA NEW TOWN, BENGALURU CITY-560064. …RESPONDENT (BY SRI. M.R.NANJUNDA GOWDA, ADVOCATE) THIS CRIMINAL APPEAL IS FILED UNDER SECTION 378(1) AND (3) OF CR.P.C PRAYING TO SET ASIDE THE IMPUGNED JUDGMENT AND ORDER OF ACQUITTAL DATED 28.10.2019 PASSED BY THE LEARNED IV ADDITIONAL DISTRICT AND SESSIONS JUDGE, DODDABALLPURA IN Digitally signed by DEVIKA M Location: HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA - 2 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:8891-DB CRL.A No. 1178 of 2021 CRL.A.NO.10014/2017, IN SO FAR AS IT RELATES TO ACQUITTING THE RESPONDENT/ACCUSED FOR THE OFFENCES PUNISHABLE UNDER SECTIONS 120-B, 465, 466, 467, 468, 418, 420 AND 201 OF IPC. THIS APPEAL COMING ON FOR ORDERS THIS DAY, JUDGMENT WAS DELIVERED THEREIN AS UNDER: CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.P.SANDESH and HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VENKATESH NAIK T ORAL JUDGMENT (PER: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.P.SANDESH) The learned counsel for the respondent files a memo reporting the death of the respondent. 2. The learned Additional SPP appearing for the appellant/State also not disputes the death of the respondent. 3. This appeal is filed against the order of acquittal and hence, the appeal is dismissed as abated. Sd/- (H.P.SANDESH) JUDGE Sd/- (VENKATESH NAIK T) JUDGE MD List No.: 1 Sl No.: 4