STATE OF KARNATAKA Vs. MAHADEVEGOWDA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal filed under Sec. 378(1) and (3) of Code of Criminal Procedure is by State, challenging the acquittal of respondents/accused Nos.1 and 2 for the offences punishable under Ss. 498-A and 306 r/w Sec. 34 I.P.C. and Ss. 3 , 4 & 6 of Dowry Prohibition Act.

(2.) For the sake of convenience the parties are referred to by their rank before the trial Court.

(3.) A charge sheet came to be filed against accused Nos.1 to 3, alleging that the marriage of deceased Sudha and accused No.1 Mahadevegowda @ Shivanna was performed on 16/5/2004. At the time of marriage, accused persons demanded dowry in a sum of Rs.40,000.00 and received Rs.25,000.00. Also demanded gold ornaments and silver articles for the bride i.e, the deceased. After the marriage deceased stayed with accused and other family members in the joint family. After about two years of the marriage, accused No.1 started demanding additional dowry in a sum of Rs.20,000.00. Accused Nos.2 and 3 used to harass and ill treat the deceased saying that she does not do the household work, roam around the village and instigated accused No.1 to assault her.