MOORTHY Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The conviction and sentence dated 12th day of June, 2015 passed in Sessions Case No. 69 of 2013 by the District and Sessions Court, (Fast Track Magalir Court), Nagapattinam are being challenged in the present Criminal Appeal.

(2.) The case of the prosecution is that the accused is the husband of the deceased by name Sudha and their marriage has been performed prior to four years. After some time from the date of marriage, the accused has started to attack the deceased frequently by way of demanding money. On 22.7.2011, at about 10 p.m., while the deceased has been sleeping, the accused has asked her to go to her parents' house and get money for presenting a Gold ring to the son of his sister on the eve of his marriage. Since the deceased has refused to concede the demand of the accused, he doused Kerosene on her person and set fire and subsequently admitted in Government Hospital, Mayiladuthurai. The deceased has given a statement and the same has been registered in Crime No. 461 of 2011.

(3.) On receipt of the statement alleged to have been given by the deceased, the Investigating Officer, viz., P.W.15, has taken up investigation, examined connected witnesses. On 12.10.2011, at about 4.30 p.m., the deceased has passed away and subsequently, Ss. of law have been altered and P.W.15 has taken up further investigation and made arrangements for conducting autopsy on the body of the deceased and accordingly Dr. Vennila (P.W.11) has conducted Post Mortem and she found the following external and internal injuries: - -