(1.) This appeal is by the accused in Sessions Case No. 75 of 1958 of the Trichur Sessions Court. He was convicted under Section 302 I. P. C. and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life for causing the death of one Vellachi by stabbing her with a dagger, The incident took place on 30-10-1958 at about I.
(2.) On Sunday previous to the date of occurrence there was a "Kavadi Pooja" in the house of the accused. As the 'Pandaram' did not turn up for conducting the pooja it had to be performed by PW-13 'Raman and his wife Vellachi. Thereafter the accused and his family along with some others went on a pilgrimage to Palni. On their return they alighted at the Mankara Railway Station early in the morning of 30-10-1958 and walked the rest of the distance to their house in Tbiruvilwamala which is about six miles from the station. By the time they reached Thiruvtlwumala the accused became agitated and began to exhibit signs of mental derangement. When the accused and his relations were sitting on the verandah of the house, Vellachi and her relations went over there to enquire about the Palani trip. The accused on seeing Vellachi said that he did not want to see her or any of her people and asked them to clear out. They left the place and went to the house of Neelakantan (Pw-5) a relation of the accused. There Vellachi was talking with Pw-5 'when the accused came rushing with M. O. 1 dagger and asking her why she was standing there stabbed "her on her right chest. She fell down and died immediately. After stabbing Vellachi the accused danced about the place with the dagger for some time bawling out "Swami Saranam" and then ran away from the place. After being pursued for about two furlongs, the accused was apprehended and the dagger taken from him. He was produced at the Thiruvilwamala Police Outpost at about 4 P. M.
(3.) The accused pleaded not guilty. In the committal court when he was asked about the evidence against him he replied that he was not aware of anything. In the Sessions Court he stated that he had no idea about the incident and he did not remember anything about. He added that when he regained consciousness he found himself in the Viyoor Jail with no clothers on. He asked the warden of the Jail for some clothes. He was then taken to a doctor. He was given some injections and medicines after which he became well. He admitted that the deceased Vellachi and her husband had performed the "Kavadi" in his house and that he went on a pilgrimage to Palani along with his relations.