STATE OF KARNATAKA, Vs. MANJUNATH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal is by the State impugning the judgment dated 26th February 2016 in S.C. No.36/2015 on the file of the Additional District and Sessions Judge, Gadag (for short, 'the Sessions Court'). The Sessions Court by the impugned dated 26.02.2016 has acquitted the respondent of the charges framed against him for the offences punishable under Sections 498A and 302 of the Indian Penal Code (for short, 'the IPC'). The charge against the respondent is because of the accusation that he on 10.05.2015 doused his wife Smt.Champa, who was in the kitchen of their house, with kerosene and lit her on fire which resulted in her death on 20.05.2015 because of the burn injuries.

(2.) The prosecution's case against the respondent could be summarized thus:

(3.) The PSI Lakshmeshwar, who commenced investigation with the registration of the FIR as aforesaid, filed charge sheet against the respondent on 25.07.2015. The jurisdictional magistrate secured the presence of the respondent, who was in judicial custody, and committed the case for trial to the District and Sessions Judge, Gadag after complying with the requirements under Section 207 of Cr.P.C. The Principal District and Sessions Judge by order dated 21.10.2015 made over the case for trial by the Sessions Court.