RAM KUMAR Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal is directed against the judgment of the Sessions Judge jind, dated March 27, 1989, whereby Ram Kumar and Dharma Devi appelants have been convicted under Sections 304-B and 498-A of Indian Penal Code Under Section 304-B they have been sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life and under Section 498-A rigorous imprisonment for two years each has been awarded to the appellants. Both the sentences of Imprisonment have, however, been ordered to run concurrently.

(2.) BRIEFLY, the facts of the prosecution case are that Raj Dulari (deceas-ed) was married to Ram Kumar, appellant on June 20, 1984 i. e about four years prior to the occurrence. Bimla (P. W. 8), the younger sister of Raj Dulari (deceased) was simultaneously married to Ramesh, the younger brother of Ram Kumar, appellant. Ram Kumar and his mother. Dharam Devi, appellants, were dissatisfied with the dowry brought by Raj Dulari. They used to harass Rajdulari by raising demand of dowry such, T. V. Sofa-set and other articles of furniture etc Whenever Raj Dulari visited her parents, she used to narrate to her relations about the behaviour of her in-laws.

(3.) JASMER (P W 9), brother of Raj Dulari (deceased) had gone to her a month before this occurrence. At that time Bimla (P. W. 8) was also at her inlaws' house. When Jasmer (P. W. 9) reached the house of the appellants, they were found taunting Raj Dulari for having not brought sufficient dowry. It is said that Raj Dulari had also been given beatings by the appellants prior to the arrival of Jasmer (P W. 9 ). On return to his house, Jasmer (P. W. 9) narrated the whole incident to his family members including his mother Lachhmi (P. W. 7 ). On the next day, Lachhmi (P. W. 7) went to Raj Dulari and found that Raj Dulari had been given beating by fist and slaps by the appellants. Raj Dulari told her mother that she was apprehending danger to her life and that she wanted to accompany her mother. Thereupon Lachhmi (P. W. 7) talked to the appellants and persuaded them not to ill-treat Raj Dulari.