HARI SINGH Vs. STATE OF UTTARANCHAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal arises out of a judgment and order dated 17.6.2003 passed by the learned Sessions Judge, Chamoli in Sessions Trial No. 5 of 1998, by which trial court has convicted the present appellants, namely Hari Singh, Raje Singh, Gopal Singh and Autar Singh under Sections 302 and 323 read with Section 34 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 (from hereinafter referred to as IPC). Each one of the above four convicts has been sentenced to imprisonment for life under Section 302 read with Section 34 of IPC, six months rigorous imprisonment under Section 323 of IPC and fine of Rs. 5,000/ - each, and default in payment of fine further rigorous imprisonment for six months.

(2.) HEARD Mr. Dinesh Chauhan, Advocate for the appellants and Mr. Hari Om Bhakuni, Brief Holder for the State.

(3.) AT this juncture, it must be stated here that this matter relates to the hills of Uttarakhand, where the "Patwari" who is the revenue officer is also empowered under the law with police powers. Therefore FIR was lodged with Patwari at Brit Panti who conducted the investigation and thereafter filed a charge -sheet. Consequently, the "Patwari" was informed about the incident which was in the night and, as it is reveled by witnesses later, the event is about 9.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., Soban Singh as wall as the other injured Gaje Singh (deceased) were brought to their house and subsequently on the next day Gaje Singh, who was seriously injured was being taken to the hospital passed away on his way to the hospital. The post mortem was conducted on the body of Gaje Singh (deceased) on 23.11.1997 at about 4 p.m. by Dr. Mayank Upadhyay (PW 2). Apart from this, injured complainant (Soban Singh) was medically examined on 23.11.1997 by Dr. L.S. Singh (PW 4). The post mortem report of the injured shall be discussed in the following paragraphs. The fact of the matter is that the Patwari was informed about the incident on 22.11.1997. He lodged an FIR on 23.11.1997 and thereafter prepares an inquest report. Consequently, after the investigation, he filed a charge -sheet before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Chamoli, which is committed to the Sessions Judge, Chamoli on 9.2.1998 for trial. Thereafter charges were framed against the accused, namely, Raje Singh, Hari Singh, Gopal Singh, Autar Singh and Kalam Singh on 25.5.1999 under Sections 302 and 323 read with Sections 147 and 149 IPC. Later the case was committed to sessions for trial.