HARJIT KAUR Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The three appellants, in these two appeals, have been convicted under Section 302, I.P.C. for causing death of Parminder Kaur. The appellant in Criminal Appeal No. 822 of 1997 is Harjit Kaur, the Mother-in-Law of Parminder Kaur. The two appellants in Criminal Appeal No. 823 of 1997 are Charan Singh and Sukhjeet Singh, the Father-in-Law and Husband of Parminder Kaur.

(2.) What has been held proved against them is, that they were not satisfied with the dowry brought by Parminder Kaur and, therefore, they used to ill-treat her and beat her also. Ultimately on 30-4-92 at about 2.00 a.m. they killed her by pouring kerosene over her body and then applying a lighted match stick to her clothes.

(3.) The trial Court convicted the three appellants and one Gurjit Singh, Brother-in-Law of Parminder Kaur, mainly relying upon the Dying Declaration made by Parminder Kaur on 3-5-92. The High Court has also believed the Dying Declaration and confirmed the conviction of the appellants, but gave benefit of doubt to the Brother-in-Law.