TEJ PARKASH Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal by special leave is directed against the judgment of the Punjab and Haryana High Court which has upheld the conviction of the appellant who had been held guilty under Section 302, I.P.C. of murdering his wife Geeta Devi arid had been awarded life imprisonment. He was also convicted under Section 201, I.P.C. and awarded imprisonment for two years.

(2.) The case of the prosecution was that the appellant, who is an advocate by profession, was married to Geeta Devi on 30-1-1982 at Alwar. During the marriage ceremony, the in-laws of the appellant stopped the photographer accompanying the marriage party to take the photographs of the ladies. This was not liked by the appellant who over-reacted and took off his sehra and threatened to walk-out of the mandap prior to the performing of the wedding ceremonies. Ramjilal, his father-in-law, however, persuaded him to resume his seat. After the marriage, Geeta Devi had been complaining to her mother that her in-laws were not happy with the dowry brought by her. On 14-11-1982, Geeta Devi gave birth to a son. As was customary, Geetas two brothers brought some gifts which were not to the liking of the appellant and his mother. Geeta tried to shield her brothers but the appellant slapped her and the said brothers informed the parents about this incidence.

(3.) The appellant and Geeta were residing along with appellants parents in the house at Mohalla Farash Khana, Narnaul. On 5-1-1983, the parents of the appellant had gone to Delhi to meet their other son. The appellant was alone with his wife Geeta and their infant son at the house in Narnaul. At about 5 P. M., Mehar Chand PW-7 went to the house of the accused to have some professional advice regarding some house tax matter. He found appellant and his wife quarrelling. The appellant told Mehar Chand, PW-7 that he would see him after sometime as at that time, he was upset. Geeta was not seen alive thereafter. On 7-1-1983, the appellant went to police station, Narnaul at about 5.30 p.m. and lodged a missing report regarding his wife. On 8-1-1983, the appellant sent a telegram to his father-in-law at Alwar that Geeta was missing and he enquired whether she had reached Alwar.