(1.) This appeal by special leave arises out of judgment and order dtd. 23/7/2009 passed in Criminal Appeal No.593-DB of 2000 by the High Court of Punjab & Haryana. The High Court has upheld the order of conviction and sentence, as against Darshan Singh (the appellant) and has allowed the appeal of Rani Kaur (Accused No. 2), thereby acquitting her of all charges. The State of Punjab has not challenged the acquittal of Rani Kaur by filing any special leave petition. It is in this background that Darshan Singh had sought special leave to appeal before us and leave came to be granted by order dtd. 22/1/2010.
(2.) The facts can be summed up in brief as follows:
(3.) On these allegations, Darshan Singh and Rani Kaur were prosecuted for charges under Sec. 302 r/w Sec. 34 IPC. The Trial Court convicted both the accused persons for the offence under Sec. 302 r/w Sec. 34 and sentenced them to undergo imprisonment for life.