SASHIDHARAN MUNNUSWAMI MUDLIYAR Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard the learned Counsel appearing on behalf of the appellant and the learned APP for the State.

(2.) Appellant is challenging the judgment and order passed by the Additional Sessions Judge whereby he was pleased to convict the appellant for the offence punishable under section 498(A)(a) of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced him to suffer rigorous imprisonment for three years and to pay fine of Rs 3000/- and, in default, to suffer further rigorous imprisonment for six months. He also convicted him for the offence punishable under section 306 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced him to suffer rigorous imprisonment for 10 years and to pay fine of Rs 5,000/- and, in default, to further suffer rigorous imprisonment for two years. Trial Court directed that both these sentences shall run separately for the separate offence committed by the appellant.

(3.) Prosecution case, in brief, is that the appellant and the deceased got married and there were two children born out of the said marriage. Prosecution case is that, as a result of physical and mental harassment and cruelty by the appellant, his wife Vijayalaxmi poured kerosene on herself and committed suicide. Prosecution case is that the appellant did not permit the neighbours or any other person to extinguish fire and, therefore, abetted the said offence of suicide. Prosecution filed chargesheet. Accused pleaded not guilty to the said offence.