(1.) By judgment dated 01.07.2013 passed in Sessions Case No.499 of 2011, the learned III Additional District & Sessions Judge, Gadwal, held A1 guilty under Sec. 302 Penal Code and acquitted A2 and A3 of charges under Sections 498-A, 304-B and 302 Penal Code read with Sec. 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. A1 was sentenced to life imprisonment and levied with a fine of Rs.15,000.00. In default of payment of the fine, he was to suffer simple imprisonment for a period of six months. The fine amount was directed to be invested in a fixed deposit in a nationalized bank and paid to Lavanya, aged about 3 years, the daughter of A1 and the deceased, as compensation under Sec. 357(1) CrPC, upon her attaining majority. Aggrieved by his conviction and the sentence imposed, A1 is in appeal under Sec. 374(2) CrPC.
(2.) The charges framed against A1 and the other accused read thus:
(3.) The accused however pleaded not guilty and claimed to be tried.