RAJENDRAN Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Appellants are the accused 1 and 2 in S.C. No. 138/96 on the file of Principal Sessions Judge, Erode. By the Judgment (dated 15-7-1997) the Sessions Judge has convicted the appellants/accused under Sec. 498-A, I.P.C. for demand of dowry from deceased-Punitha and under Sec. 304-B, I.P.C. for causing the dowry death of deceased-Punitha.

(2.) The gist of charges framed against the appellants/accused, the findings of the trial Court and the sentence imposed upon them is as, noted below : Charge Against whom Gist of Charge Finding of the trial Court Conviction/Sentence 1. A-l u/S. 302, I.P.C. comntitting the murder of Punitha A-l found not guilty u/S. 302, I.P.C. but found guilty u/S. 304-B, I.P.C. Sentence of Rigorous Imprisonment for seven years 2. A-2 u/S. 302 r/w 34, I.P.C. Sharing the common intention for causing the death of Punitha A-2 found not guilty u/S. 302, I.P.C. but found guilty u/S. 304-B, I.P.C. Sentence of Rigorous Imprisonment for seven years 3. A-l and A-2 u/S. 498-A, I.P.C. Demanding dowry from Punitha A- 1 and A-2 found guilty u/S. 498-A, I.P.C. Sentence of Rigorous Imprisonment for one year on each of A- 1 and A-2

(3.) Deceased-Punitha was the second daugher of P.W. 1-Muniammal. She was given in marriage to A-1-Rajendran three years prior to the incident. At the time of marriage, one sovereign Gold Chain and Anklets were given. Thereafter, deceased Punitha was living with A-1 and her mother -in-law-A-2- Nallammal at Periyapalayam.