(1.) This appeal arises out of a judgment and order dated 21.3.97 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Morbi in Sessions Case No.1/90.
(2.) The appellants were the original accused Nos.1 & 2 in the above mentioned Sessions Case. They were charged with offence punishable under section 498-A, 306, 304-B read with section 114 of the Indian Penal Code (hereinafter to be referred to as 'IPC'). The learned Sessions Judge convicted both the appellants under sections 306 and 498-A of the IPC and sentenced to 5 years rigourous imprisonment and one year simple imprisonment respectively. He also imposed fine of Rs.250 on the accused. He, however, acquitted them for offence under section 304-B of the IPC.
(3.) In nutshell, the prosecution case was that appellant No.1, original accused No.1, was the husband of one Meenaben. Appellant No.2 who was accused No.2, was the mother-in-law. On 19.5.89, Meenaben died of extensive burn injuries. It was alleged that she committed suicide on account of harassment, torture and cruelty committed on her by her husband, mother-in-law and father-in-law. Father-in-law of deceased Meenaben died before the trial began. The trial was, therefore, conducted against the present appellants.