(1.) The challenge in the present appeal is to the judgment and order dated 7-12-2000, rendered by the learned IVth Additional Sessions Judge, Aurangabad, in Sessions Case No. 16 of 1998.
(2.) It appears that the accused nos.1 to 5 faced the trial under Sessions Case No. 16 of 1998 for the charges levelled against them under Sections 498-A, 306, 323, 504, read with Section 34 of Indian Penal Code, and the appellant herein i.e. original accused no.1 was convicted for the offences punishable under Sections 498-A, 306 and 323 of Indian Penal Code, and was sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for one year and to pay a fine of Rs. 1000/-, in default, to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for three months, for the offence punishable under Section 498-A of Indian Penal Code, and was also sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for three years and to pay a fine of Rs. 3000/-, in default, to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for six months, for the offence punishable under Section 306 of Indian Penal Code, was also sentenced to pay a fine of Rs. 500/-, in default, to undergo rigorous imprisonment for one month, for the offence punishable under Section 323 of Indian Penal Code, but was acquitted for the offence punishable under Sections 504, 506, read with Section 34 of Indian Penal Code, whereas accused nos.2 to 5 were also acquitted for the aforesaid offences and, therefore, being aggrieved and dissatisfied by the said judgment and order of conviction and sentence in respect of appellant herein i.e. original accused no.1, present appeal is preferred.
(3.) The facts and events leading to the present appeal are as follows :