STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH Vs. SEVARAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE State has preferred the present appeal against the judgment dated 6.10.1995 passed by the 3 rd Additional Session Judge, Damoh in criminal appeal no.9/93, by which the respondents were acquitted from the charges of offence punishable under Section 498-A of IPC and also the respondent Gulab Bai was acquitted from the charge of offence under Section 506-B of IPC.

(2.) PROSECUTION's case in short is that the marriage of the victim Ramkumari (PW-3) took place on 11.3.1986. After six months of her marriage, a Gouna took place. In the custom of Chauk, a demand was made by the respondents for sum of Rs.10,000/-. Shambu Dayal (PW-2), father of the victim Ramkumari gave a sum of Rs.3,000/- to the respondent No.1 but he was not happy, because he could not get the entire amount of Rs.10,000/- The victim Ramkumari was kept in the house of the respondents in a bad condition and she was being harassed for recovery of the amount. She was beaten by the respondents and therefore, she wrote so many letters to her parents. Some of the letters (Ex.P/2 to P/5) were submitted in the Court. On 19.5.1987, the respondent Gulab Bai assaulted the victim Ramkumari and she used a force to get the signature of the victim Ramkumari on some blank stamp papers. Ultimately, the victim Ramkumari was thrown out from the house of the respondents. She met with her cousin Kanhaiyalal (PW-1) and thereafter, she had lodged an FIR before the Police Station Kotwali, Damoh. Thereafter, Kanhaiyalal dropped her in the house of her father. A written report was also submitted by Shambu Dayal on 24.5.1987, in which it was claimed that the victim Ramkumari was being harassed for recovery of dowry amount and life of the victim is in danger. Police, Kotwali registered a case. After due investigation, charge sheet was filed.

(3.) DURING pendency of this appeal, the respondent No.2 expired.