NAGARAJ Vs. STATE OF TAMILNADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE sole accused in a case of murder on being found guilty as per the charges under Sections 341, 506 (ii) and 302 of I. P. C. and awarded life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs. 2,000/- and default sentence under Sec. 302 of IPC by the learned Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court), Tirupattur, in S. C. No. 143/2002, has brought forth this appeal.

(2.) THE short facts necessary for the disposal of this appeal can be stated thus:

(3.) THE case was committed to Court of Session, and necessary charges were framed. In order to substantiate the charges, the prosecution examined 13 witnesses and also relied on 18 exhibits and 15 material objects. On completion of the evidence on the side of the prosecution, the accused was questioned under Sec. 313 of Cr. P. C. as to the incriminating circumstances found in the evidence of the prosecution witnesses, which he flatly denied as false. No defence witness was examined. The lower Court heard the arguments advanced and scrutinised the evidence both oral and documentary. The learned trial Judge took the view that the prosecution has proved the case beyond reasonable doubt, found the appellant/accused guilty and awarded life imprisonment under Sec. 302 of IPC, while he has not given any sentence in respect of the other charges. Hence, this appeal at the instance of the appellant/accused.