(1.) Challenge in this appeal is to judgment rendered by learned Illrd Additional Sessions Judge, Jalgaon, in Sessions Case No.289/1994 whereby the appellant came to be convicted for offence punishable under sections 306 and 498 A of the LP. Code and has been sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for seven (7) years and to pay fine of Rs.3,000/ , in default to suffer simple imprisonment for three (3) months on first count and to suffer rigorous imprisonment for three (3) years and to pay fine of Rs.2,000/ , in default to suffer simple imprisonment for two (2) months on the second count, with further direction that both the substantive sentences would run concurrently.
(2.) Out of the four (4) accused tried before the Sessions Court, the appellant was original accused No.2 and is husband of deceased Meenakshi. The other three (3) accused, who are his father, sister and younger brother were acquitted by the trial Court.
(3.) Indisputably, the marriage of deceased Meenakshi and the appellant was performed on 27th January, 1991. Her father is inhabitant of Chalisgaon and the family house of the appellant is situated in the same town in a locality called "Shivnerinagar". Soon after the marriage, Meenakshi went to reside with the appellant in his common house shared by himself, his father, younger sister and brother. At the time of marriage, Meenakshi was student of final year of Arts faculty in the local college. The appellant was a lecturer. The final year examination of Meenakshi was scheduled in the month of March, 1991 after 2/3 months of the marriage.