STATE OF PUNJAB Vs. GURDEV SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Respondent-Gurdev Singh along with his wife, namely Paramjit Kaur was arrayed as accused in FIR No. 190 dated 7.10.2009 for commission of offence under Sections 302, 498-A & 34 IPC. It was an allegation against them that on 7.10.2009, they had killed their daughter-in-law, namely, Rajinder Kaur by putting her on fire in her matrimonial house.

(2.) It is necessary to mention here that during trial, conviction of the accused was also sought under Section 304-B IPC. After trial, both the accused were acquitted of the charges framed against them under Section 304-B IPC. Respondent-Gurdev Singh was also acquitted of the charge framed under Sections 302 IPC and 302 read with Section 34 IPC. Both of them were held guilty for commission of offence under Section 323 IPC, whereas Paramjit Kaur, co-accused of the respondent, was held guilty for commission of offence under Section 302 IPC and was sentenced accordingly.

(3.) The State has filed this application under Section 378(3) Cr.P.C. seeking leave to file an appeal against respondent-Gurdev Singh, father-in-law of the deceased, challenging his acquittal to the extent as stated above.