More than two decades after the shocking murder of software engineer Satyamurthy Venkatesh on Bengaluru’s Ring Road, the Supreme Court has upheld the life imprisonment sentence for Shubha Shankarnarayan and three others involved in the case. The judgment marks a crucial closure in one of Karnataka’s most talked-about criminal trials.

The case dates back to 2003, when Satyamurthy was murdered while riding his motorcycle near the city’s Ring Road. His then-girlfriend, Shubha, along with her friend and two hired men, was found guilty of planning and executing the murder. According to investigators, the motive was Shubha’s desire to avoid marrying Satyamurthy under family pressure, and instead continue her relationship with another man.

The Supreme Court, while rejecting their appeals, reaffirmed the Karnataka High Court’s verdict, stating that the evidence and witness testimonies were “clear and consistent.” The bench, however, granted all four convicts eight weeks’ time to file a mercy petition before the President of India.

This final judgment has brought back public focus on a case that had faded from headlines but remained a painful memory for the victim’s family. The court’s observations also underline how premeditated the act was, describing it as “cold-blooded” and driven by personal interest.

The case highlights the slow but steady pace of India’s legal system, where justice, though delayed, can still prevail. It also raises questions about relationships, manipulation, and the tragic consequences of unchecked decisions.