RAYAPPAN Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The sole accused in a case of murder in S.C. No. 452 of 1999 on the file of Principal District Judge, Tuticorin, in which he stood charged for the offence under Section 302 IPC and found guilty as per the charges and awarded life imprisonment under Section 302 IPC and also to pay a fine of Rs. 100/-, in default to undergo rigorous imprisonment for one month, has brought forth this criminal appeal.

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

(3.) The case was committed to the Court of sessions and necessary charges were framed against the accused on 18.10.1997. In order to substantiate the charges, the prosecution examined 15 witnesses and relied on 20 Exhibits and 8 material objects. On completion of the evidence on the side of the prosecution, the accused was questioned under Section 313 Cr.P.C as to the incriminating circumstances found in the evidence of prosecution witnesses, which he denied as false. No defence witness was examined, but only one document was marked on the side of the defence.