NINGAPPA NINGAPPA BUGGI Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard the learned counsel for the appellant and the learned Additional State Public Prosecutor.

(2.) The appellant is accused of having committed the murder of his wife and has stood trial for the offences punishable under Sections 498A and 302 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860(hereinafter referred to as the 'IPC' for brevity) and has been found guilty for the offence punishable under Sec. 302 of Penal Code and has been sentenced to life imprisonment apart from fine and hence, the present appeal.

(3.) The facts leading up to this appeal, as stated by the prosecution, are that the appellant had married one Rukmawwa who was the daughter of Maruti Yallappa Pisale and Smt.Kallawwa Maruti Pisale examined at the trial as PW.6 and PW-7, respectively, of Katakol village. The appellant had married Rukmawwa about 10 years prior to the complaint and they had 3 children by the marriage. About 6 months prior to the incident, it transpires, that the appellant was suspecting the fidelity of Rukmawwa and was consistently harassing her both physically and mentally. This lead to Rukamwwa complaining bitterly to her parents and father-in-law, as well, apart from other elders seeking their intervention to advise the appellant not to torture her on false accusations. In spite of intervention of the elders and others, the appellant is said to have condnued to ill-treat Rukmawwa.