SHANTA Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal is filed challenging the judgment dated 15.02.2006 passed by the Fast Track Court-1, Chikodi, in Sessions Case No. 184/2004 convicting the appellant for the offences under Sections 498(A) and 304(B) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act and sentencing her to undergo rigorous imprisonment for seven years. It is the case of the prosecution that the deceased Sangeeta was married with the son of the appellant by name Gajanan on 07.04.2003 at Ainapur and at the time of marriage, the appellant received 1/2 thola gold ring, one watch and Rs. 1,500/- for clothes from the parents of deceased Sangeeta, thereby she is alleged to have committed an offence under Section 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.

(2.) It is further alleged that being the mother-in-law of Sangeeta, the appellant had subjected Sangeeta to harassment and ill treatment by demanding Rs. 2,000/- dowry from the parents of Sangeeta and thereafter, she has received a sum of Rs. 15,000/- from the parents of Sangeeta and after the death of the deceased, the said property has not been handed over to the legal heirs of the deceased Sangeeta, thereby the appellant is alleged to have committed the offences under Sections 4 and 6 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.

(3.) It is further alleged that the deceased Sangeeta was subjected to ill-treatment by the appellant after her marriage with the son of the appellant by name Gajanan, which has caused her to commit suicide or to cause grave injury or danger to her life, thereby the appellant is alleged to have committed an offence under Section 498(A) of the Indian Penal Code.