The sub-judge Ganapathy Samy also slapped a fine of Rs 5,000 on him.
According to prosecution, Bakkiam stabbed Lokanathan following an altercation over washing a car on the street.
Bakkiam, who had tucked a knife in his waist, pulled it out and stabbed Lokanathan who suffered deep injury in the stomach and also fracture in the ribs on September 4, 2012.
The sub judge sentenced Bakkiam to RI saying the prosecution had proved the case by cogent witness and documents.