RAMAN SINGH Vs. STATE OF M P

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Appellant has preferred this appeal challenging his conviction and order of sentence passed by Xth Additional Sessions Judge, Jabalpur in S.T. No.297/87, decided on 4.08.95.

(2.) Appellant has been convicted under Section 498-A, 306 of IPC and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for two years with fine of Rs.500/-, in default rigorous imprisonment for three months, and rigorous imprisonment for five years with fine of Rs.1000/-, in default rigorous imprisonment for six months, for the respective offences, by the impugned judgment. Both the sentences were directed to run concurrently.

(3.) According to prosecution, deceased Kesar Bai (hereinafter referred to as 'deceased') was married to appellant Raman Singh six-seven years prior to the occurrence. Appellant Raman Singh and other co-accused persons, namely, Mangal Singh, Sudha Bai and Rakesh, being father-in-law, mother-in-law and brother-in-law of the deceased, used to harass her for bringing less dowry from her parents. Appellant and other co-accused persons also subjected the deceased to 'marpeet' and cruelty in order to fulfill their demand of dowry. As a result of harassment and cruelty meted out to the deceased by the appellant and other co-accused persons, deceased Kesar Bai committed suicide on 10.3.87 by hanging herself by means of a rope at the house of appellant. The intimation of her death was given to the Police by the father of the appellant, on the basis of which merg intimation was recorded and merg inquest report was prepared. The dead body of deceased was sent for postmortem examination. As per postmortem report, death of deceased Kesar Bai occurred due to asphyxia as a result of hanging. Her viscera was preserved and sent for forensic examination. The rope used in the commission of suicide was also seized by the Police and was sent for the opinion of doctor. After merg inquiry, an offence was registered against the appellant and other three co-accused persons. After due investigation, appellant and other co-accused persons were prosecuted under Section 498-A and 306 of IPC and were put to trial.