THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA Vs. SHANTABAI KABIR JOSHI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By this appeal, the appellant / State is challenging the judgment and order dated 18th May 2002 passed by the learned Ad-hoc Additional District and Sessions Judge, Thane, in Sessions Case No.490 of 2001, thereby acquitting respondents/accused of offences punishable under Sections 498A and 306 read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code.

(2.) According to the prosecution case, Vandana Sanjay Joshi married respondent no.2 Sanjay Joshi two years prior to the incident in question. Out of this wedlock, she gave birth to a child. Vandana was residing with her husband - respondent no.2/accused Sanjay Joshi and her mother-in-law i.e. respondent no.1/accused Shantabai Joshi at Turbhegaon in Navi Mumbai.

(3.) According to the prosecution case, both respondents/accused used to ill-treat Vandana by suspecting her character. Respondent no.2/accused Sanjay Joshi had purchased a plot from maternal uncle of Vandana by paying consideration of Rs.4 lakh. This transaction was not approved by respondent no.1/accused Shantabai. She was insisting her son respondent no.2/accused Sanjay Joshi to cancel the said transaction and get the amount back from the maternal uncle of Vandana. On this count also, respondents/accused used to harass Vandana.