SUNDARAM ALIAS SUNDARARAJAN Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) APPELLANT is the Accused in S. C. No. 340 of 2001 on the file of Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court No. II) Coimbatore . This Appeal is directed against the Judgment (dated 08. 04. 2002), under which the APPELLANT / Accused was found guilty for demand of Dowry, Dowry Harassment and Dowry Death.

(2.) THE gist of charges framed against the Accused, the findings of the Trial Court and the Sentence of Imprisonment / Fine imposed thereon is as noted below:- Charge made Gist of charge Finding of Trial Court sentence/ Imprisonment 1u/s 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act. Demand of Dowry by way of money and jewels Found Guilty Rigorous Imprisonment for One year and Fine of rs. 2000/-2 U/s. 304-B I. P. C. Dowry Death of Leelavathy Found Guilty Rigorous imprisonment for Seven years 3 U/s. 498-A I. P. C Demand of Dowry, Dowry harassment and Cruelty Found Guilty Rigorous Imprisonment for Two Years and fine of Rs. 1000/- 4 U/s. 306 I. P. C. Abetment to commit suicide All sentences ordered Found Guilty to run concur Rigorous Imprisonment for Five years and fine of Rs. 2000/-rently

(3.) SINCE the death was within seven years of marriage, requisition was sent to Revenue Divisional Officer for holding the Inquest. P. W. 8-Revenue Divisional Officer held the Inquest on 22. 09. 2000 on the body of the Deceased-Leelavathy. Witnesses / P. Ws. 1 to 3 and others were examined in the presence of Panchayatars. Ex. P. 6 is the Inquest Report. P. W. 8 was of the opinion that the death was due to Dowry Harassment and Cruelty and directed the police to take up further Investigation.