Confirming life sentences awarded to the convicts in the 2023 VAO murder case reported in Thoothukudi district, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has issued directions to the State to ensure accuracy in medico-legal records. Therefore, the presence of the prosecution witnesses at that time became doubtful, thereby casting an unwarranted suspicion on their credibility. In 2023, the Principal Sessions Court in Thoothukudi sentenced the appellants to life imprisonment for the murder of VAO Y. Lourdhu Francis. Upholding the trial court verdict, the judges said documentary evidence demonstrated that the VAO had been taking action to prevent illegal sand mining. It appreciated the prompt and efficient efforts of the investigating agency, the prosecution, and the trial court judge in ensuring completion of the entire criminal proceedings within five months.