JAMNA KAUR Vs. THE STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE challenge here is to the judgment of the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Jalandhar, dated 4th July, 1989, whereby appellants Jamna Kaur and Kartar Kaur were convicted under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life and to pay a fine of Rs. 1,000/- each or in default thereof to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for six months.

(2.) THE case of the prosecution, in brief, is as under :-

(3.) DR . Nagin Dhaliwal (PW 1) had conducted autopsy on the deadbody of Kuldip Kaur on 13th May, 1988, at 9.30 a.m. and found extensive burns involving the face, scalp, neck, front and back of chest and abdomen. Pelvis and thighs were burnt. Left and right lower legs were not burnt. Back of both thighs were also not burnt. Peeling of skin was present all over the burnt area. Total burns were 50 to 60 per cent. In the opinion of the doctor, the death of Kuldip Kaur was due to 50 to 60 per cent burns involving vital area of the body, thus resulting in hypovolaemia and neurogenic shock which was sufficient to cause death in the ordinary course of nature. The probable time that elapsed between injuries and death was 47 days and between death and post mortem within 24 hours.