ANIL AND ANR Vs. STATE OF U P

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This criminal appeal is directed against the judgment and order dated 14.03.2007 passed by Additional Sessions Judge, court no. 16, Deoria in S.T. No. 66 of 1999 convicting appellants i.e husband, mother-in-law, under Sections 498-A, 304-B I.P.C. Under Section 304-B I.P.C. husband-appellant has been sentenced to life imprisonment, mother-in-law Smt. Prabhawati has been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment of seven years. Both have been sentenced to 2 years and one year R.I. respectively under Section 498-A I.P.C. in addition to fine of Rs. 5000/- upon both the convicts. Sister-in-law Meena has been acquitted.

(2.) Briefly stated prosecution case is that Meera was married to appellant Anil Yadav in the year, 1994. Mother-in-law, two sisters-in-law and husband were harassing her for demand of Motorcycle as additional dowry. Since father of the victim was not in a position to fulfill the additional demand, she was not sent after 'Gauna'. They came to know that Meera has been murdered on 09.09.1998. A report was lodged by Lallan Yadav, whereupon after investigation chargesheet had been submitted against Anil Yadav, Smt Prabhawati Devi (mother-in-law) and Meena (sister-in-law). Second sister-in-law Sheela was not chargesheeted.

(3.) Accused persons denied charge and claimed trial.