REDDIVARI MUNI REDDY Vs. SATE OF A P

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE appellants herein, the son and mother, were tried by the Court of VI additional Sessions Judge, at Tirupati, in S. C. No. 97 of 2002, for the offence punishable under Sections 498-A and 302 I. P. C. Through its judgment dated 18-10-2005, the trial Court held the appellants not guilty of the offence under section 498-A, but convicted them for the offence under Section 302 I. P. C. It sentenced them to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life, and to pay a fine of Rs. 200/- each, in default, to undergo simple imprisonment for one month. Hence, this appeal.

(2.) THE case presented by the prosecution before the trial Court was as under: a-1 was married to one Lakshmi Devi, about one-and-half years, prior to 30-10-2001. Alleging that A-1 was harassing and suspecting her fidelity, Lakshmi devi, went to the house of her parents', one week prior to 30-10-2001. On 29-10-2001, A-1 went to the house of his in-laws, convinced Lakshmi Devi and brought her to his native place in Chittoor District, stating that he would look after her, well.

(3.) AT about 5:00 a. m. , on 30-10-2001, A-1 poured kerosene on Lakshmi Devi and set her on fire. She woke up and removed the burning clothes. When she tried to go out, A-2 beat her and prevented her from going out. In the meanwhile, the neighbours gathered and they chided A-1. Subsequently, A-1 removed Lakshmi Devi to hospital at Tirupati. On receiving the information, about the incident, the Police recorded the statement of lakshmi Devi and registered a case. Requisition was given to the Judicial magistrate of First Class, Srikalahasti, who in turn, recorded a declaration on the same day. While undergoing treatment, in the hospital, Lakshmi Devi died, on 15-11-2001. The jprovisions of law in the F. I. R. was altered and investigation was undertaken. Inquest on the dead body, as well as postmortem were conducted. The cause of the death was reported to be the burning injuries. Necessary charges were framed, and the accused pleaded not guilty. The trial court found them guilty of the offence under Section 302 I. P. C. , and imposed sentence of punishment of imprisonment of life.