SAMBHAJI SOMA RUPNAVAR Vs. SATTE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal is directed against conviction of the appellant by the learned III Additional Sessions Judge, Kolhapur, for the offences under Sections 498A and 306 of the Indian Penal Code and sentence of rigorous imprisonment for three years with fine of Rs. 5,000/- or in default rigorous imprisonment for one year, imposed upon the appellant, on each of the two counts, on conclusion of trial of Sessions Case No. 71 of 1995, before him. The facts which are material for deciding this appeal are as under:-

(2.) I have heard learned counsel for the appellant and the learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the State. With the help of both I have gone through the evidence on record.

(3.) The learned trial Judge seems to have relied on the evidence of P.W. 1 Keshar, the second wife whom the appellant is alleged to have brought in the year 1983 and who left the appellant within six months. P.W. 1 Keshar and her father Shankar stated that since Keshar was illtreated, she left appellant's house. The learned Judge seems to have relied on this evidence to infer that the appellant had a tendency of illtreating wives.