VIRENDER SINGH Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) VIRENDER Singh along with his father Umrao Singh, sister Lali and Lali's husband Sant Lal were tried by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Narnaul for offence under Sections 302/304B and 498-A I.P.C. The trial Court vide judgment dated January 19, 1991 convicted Virender Singh under Sections 304-B and 498-A I.P.C. but acquitted Umrao Singh, Lali and Sant Lal. Virender Singh was sentenced to undergo seven years rigorous imprisonment under Section 304-B I.P.C. and two years rigorous imprisonment under Section 498-A, I.P.C. There were also sentences of fine etc. and both the sentences were to run concurrently. Virender Singh has filed this appeal to challenge his conviction and sentence.

(2.) VIRENDER Singh married Dhanpati, daughter of Ram Chander (PW5) of Bawania, on May 4, 1983. At the time of the marriage Virender Singh and his family was not satisfied with the articles given in dowry to Dhanpati by her father. Ram Chander had pleaded which folded hands before Umrao Singh but the latter had kept mum at that time. After the marriage Dhanpati stayed in the matrimonial home only for two days and returned to Bawania. After staying for two days with her parents she returned to her in-laws where she spent about fifteen day and again came back to her parents. She told her father that she had been told by the accused that her father had not given dowry according to the status of Virender Singh's father. She also told her father that Umrao Singh and Sant Lal had remarked to Dhanpati that in case she died Virender Singh could re-marry and get good dowry. Dhanpati had always been complaining that she was being harassed for bringing less dowry.

(3.) ON April 1, 1988 Ram Chander's second daughter was married. Dhanpati visited her parents' home and told her father that if she was not given two gold ornaments her husband and his father would not allow her to enter their house. Ram Chander gave his daughter two gold ornaments. Virender Singh also attended the marriage and demanded a bicycle and a sewing machine which were also supplied by Ram Chander. After about one and a half months Dhanpati came to her parents and told them that the appellant was now demanding a scooter. Thereupon, Ram Chander went to the appellant's village and paid Rs. 4,000/- to enable him to purchase a second hand scooter.