P.KRISHNAIAH Vs. STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE appellant herein was tried by the Court of the IV Additional District & Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court), Mahabubnagar for the offences punishable under Sections 498 -A, 304 -B and 302 I.P.C. in S.C.No.626 of 2008. Through its judgment, dated 30.10.2009, the trial Court held that he is not guilty of the offence punishable under Section 304 -B I.P.C., but convicted him for the offences punishable under Sections 302 and 498 -A I.P.C. Punishment of imprisonment for life and fine of Rs.10,000/ -, in default to undergo simple imprisonment for a period of three months was imposed for the offence punishable under Section 302 I.P.C. and rigorous imprisonment for three years and fine of Rs.500/ -, in default to undergo simple imprisonment for a period of one month was imposed for the offence punishable under Section 498 -A I.P.C. Hence, this appeal.

(2.) THE deceased is none other than the wife of the accused. Through their wedlock, they had two children. The deceased was one of the four daughters of her parents. Her father, by name Pedda Maulali, is said to have died on 05.12.2007. Since his only son predeceased him, the elders of the family are said to have decided that the three married daughters including the deceased must bear the expenditure for the tenth day ceremony, scheduled to take place on 14.12.2007. The accused is said to have expressed his inability and protested.

(3.) ON receipt of Ex.P1, the police registered Crime No.96 of 2007 mentioning Sections 498 -A, 302 and 304 -B I.P.C. Scene of offence panchanama was conducted and inquest and post -mortem were caused. The accused was arrested on the next day. After completion of the investigation, P.W.8 filed a charge sheet. The trial Court framed the charges against the accused and on denial of the same, detailed trial was conducted.