The Delhi High Court today sentenced Manu Sharma, son of former Haryana Minister Venod Sharma, to life imprisonment, seven years after he shot Jessica Lall at a midnight party for refusing to serve him liquor.

“The murder though intentional was committed without premeditation. We feel justice would be satisfied if we award the sentence of imprisonment for life to Sidhartha Vashisht alias Manu Sharma,” a bench comprising Justice R S Sodhi and Justice P K Bhasin said in a packed courtroom.

The court which on Monday convicted Manu Sharma for murder, however, differed with the prosecution on the point that Sharma cannot be reformed or that he would continue to be a threat to society.

“There is nothing on record to suggest that there is no probability that the convict can be reformed or rehabilitated. Also, it cannot be said that there is material to suggest probability that the convict (Sharma) would continue to commit acts of violence that would constitute a threat to the society,” the bench observed.

The court also slapped a fine of Rs 50,000 on Sharma to be paid to Lall’s family. He shall undergo further imprisonment for three years if he defaults on the payment.

Sharma was also sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2,000 under the Arms Act and another four years and Rs 2,000 fine for criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence. All sentences will run concurrently.

Two other convicts, Vikas Yadav, son of UP strongman D P Yadav and ex-Coca-Cola general manager Amardeep Singh Gill, who were found guilty of criminal conspiracy and destruction evidence, were sentenced to four years’ rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2,000 each. The trial court had acquitted all accused.

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