SITA RAM Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE five appellants herein along with seven others were tried by the learned Sessions Judge, Faridabad for the murder of Ram Kumar. The learned trial Judge pronounced his judgment on July 15, 1996 and was pleased to convict Sita Ram for the murder and sentenced him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life. Other four appellants were found vicariously guilty of the murder, which had been the common object of the unlawful assembly of which they were members, and they were also sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life. There were also sentences of fine and convictions under other lesser offences with corresponding sentences. All the sentences had been directed to run concurrently. Seven of the accused were acquitted.

(2.) THE appellants as well as their acquitted co-accused were all members of the family of Indraj of Nangal Brahman, Tehsil Palwal. Indraj had owned and possessed 32 acres of land at the time of his death in 1990. Indraj was survived by his widow and three daughters, namely, Triveni, Nem Wati and Kishni. The appellants and their co-accused were the daughters, sons-in-law and grand-sons of Indraj as well as one grand daughter-in-law.

(3.) THE deceased in this case was Ram Kumar son of Narain Singh (PW-4). Deceased Ram Kumar and Narain Singh's nephew Sanjay had propounded a will said to have been executed by Indraj in their favour in respect of his estate. After Indraj's death a dispute had arisen regarding inheritance to his estate. Mutation on the basis of inheritance had been under dispute before S.D.O. (Civil), Palwal. On the other hand Indraj's daughters Triveni, Nem Wati and Kishni had filed a suit in the Palwal Court challenging the will in favour of Ram Kumar deceased and Sanjay.