MANJIT SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Leave granted.

(2.) This appeal arises out of judgment and order dated 02.05.2017 passed by the High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh in Criminal Appeal NO.S-1964-SB of 2003 in and by which the High Court has acquitted accused-Ranjit Singh from the charges by giving him benefit of doubt but affirmed the conviction of the appellant-Manjit Singh by the Trial Court and the sentence of imprisonment imposed upon him. The High Court has also enhanced the fine amount from Rs.1,000 to Rs.50,000/- with a direction to pay the same to the complainant-Hardip Singh as compensation.

(3.) Case of the prosecution is that on 04.06.2001 at about 05:30 p.m. when complainant-Hardip Singh (PW-1) was returning to his village Baghiari from bus stop on his scooter, appellant-accused, Manjit Singh, along with his brother Ranjit Singh, armed with knife, are said to have attacked/inflicted knife blows on the left and right thigh of the complainant. On the complaint lodged by the complainant a case was registered under Section 307 read with Section 34 I.P.C. and Section 324 read with Section 34 I.P.C. After completion of the investigation, the chargesheet was filed against the accused for the aforesaid offences.