SANTOKH SINGH AND ANOTHER Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The accused appellants Santokh Singh and Karamjit Kaur were convicted and sentenced under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code and were sentenced to undergo life imprisonment and to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000/- each and in default to undergo a further period of two years rigorous imprisonment.

(2.) The 1 st appellant Santokh Singh died in prison while undergoing sentence, therefore, the appeal qua appellant Santokh Singh abated.

(3.) It is the case of the prosecution that Bhinder Singh (deceased) was the husband of the appellant Karamjit Kaur and son of the 1 st appellant Santokh Singh. Appellant Santokh Singh developed some illicit intimacy with 2 nd appellant Karamjit Kaur. On 2.7.2006 at about 4.00 to 5.00 P.M. Bhinder Singh saw his wife Karamjit Kaur sitting with his father on a cot. Bhinder Singh abused his father. Accused Santokh Singh caught hold of Bhinder Singh tightly. Accused Karamjit Kaur sprinkled petrol on his person. Thereafter, accused Santokh Singh set him on fire. Accused Karamjit Kaur caught hold of him for some time till the fire engulfed him. Bhinder Singh escaped from their clutches and ran and fell into the water tank. Thereafter, Bhinder Singh became unconscious. He was consoled by his brother in law Gurpreet Singh. He sprinkled flour on his body. Thereafter, he was admitted to the hospital at about 8/9.00 P.M.