RAMESH KUMAR Vs. STATE (GOVT. OF NCT) DELHI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The appellant Ramesh Kumar impugns his conviction under Section 302 and 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) vide judgment dated 23rd November, 2011, for burning deceased Renu to death and causing injuries to her mother Geeta on 31st March 2006. By order of sentence, on the same day, he has been sentenced under Section 302 IPC for life imprisonment and fine of Rs 5,000/-, in default of which, he shall undergo simple imprisonment for six months. For the offence under Section 307 IPC, he has been awarded rigorous imprisonment for ten years and fine of Rs 2,000/-, in default of payment of which, he shall undergo simple imprisonment for three months. He has, however, been acquitted of the charge under Section 376 IPC by the Trial Court.

(2.) The prosecution case goes as under: that on 31st March, 2006 at 1.15 A.M. it was reported to the PCR (vide DD No. 48A) that Jhuggi No. W-65/3 in F Block, Indira camp No.3, Vikas Puri had caught fire.

(3.) Two inter-connected issues arise for consideration. Firstly, whether the deceased Renu and Geeta (PW-1) had suffered accidental burn injuries or it is a case of homicidal death and burn injuries were inflicted on them. The second question is whether the appellant is the perpetrator and had caused the said burn injuries.