GURJIT SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is yet another case which involves the sordid story of the greedy accused who having remained frustrated over non satisfaction of their demand of dowry, harassed the deceased to such an extent that she could not think anything more than to leave this world so that she may not be again burden over her parental family. Consequently, the accused was tried, convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for eight years under Section 304-B IPC.

(2.) Kamaljit Kaur was married to Gurjit Singh accused-appellant (herein referred as, 'the accused') on 7.2.1999. The marriage was arranged through Taro a mediator and at the time of marriage sufficient dowry was given. However, soon after the marriage, the accused being dis-satisfied with the articles of dowry started maltreating her saying that she had brought insufficient dowry and no scooter and fridge has been given in dowry. The accused prevented her from visiting her parents. However, on the eve of Rakhi, she came to her parental house and disclosed that the accused was demanding a fridge. However, her parents prevailed upon her and regretted their inability to satisfy such demand as they were poor persons and not in a position to meet the demand. They further promised that they will do so after some time. On this, the accused took her back. However, on 29.9.1999, at about 8.00 a.m. the deceased conveyed a message to her brother Balraj Singh that she was being badly maltreated and she be taken back.

(3.) On receipt of this message, the complainant Balraj Singh (herein referred as, 'the complainant') accompanied by Chuhar Singh his father's sister's husband, went to the village Dhak Mazara (village of the accused) where they met the accused and expressed their willingness to take Kamaljit Kaur back but the accused instead of sending her back insulted and abused them and he did not agree despite persuasions made by them. At about 4.00 p.m. the complainant along with Chuhar Singh went to Taro (a mediator of the marriage) who was not found at home. However, when they came back, they found Kamaljit Kaur lying in the courtyard and was trembling like fish. They arranged a conveyance and shifted her to the hospital at Apra, however, on the advise of the doctor, they took her to D.M.C. Ludhiana where she had died. At this, they brought the body of Kamaljit Kaur back to the village Dhak Mazara. The complainant informed his parents on telephone upon which they accompanied by other relatives reached the house of the accused. On the aforesaid statement Ex.PA made by the complainant before S.H.O. Sarabjit Rai on 29.9.1999 at 10.00 p.m., FIR Ex. PA/2 was registered and investigated.