AMRIK SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS is an appeal against the judgment dated July 24,1998 passed by Additional Sessions Judge, Fatehgarh Sahib, whereby the learned trial Court convicted the appellant under Section 304 -B of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for seven years and to pay a fine of Rs.5,000/ -. In default of payment of fine, he was directed to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of one year. However, the learned trial Court acquitted Labh Kaur, the mother of the appellant, of the charge, giving her benefit of doubt.

(2.) RAM Murti (PW -1), the mother of deceased Paramjit Kaur, made a statement on 14.2.1996 at about 6.05 P.M. before Paramjit Singh. Sub Inspector (PW -8) that her daughter was married to appellant Amrik Singh about 1 -1/2 years prior to the occurrence. After about 8/9 months of the marriage, appellant started demanding Rs.5,000/ - from deceased. Ram Murti paid Rs.2,000/ -. About 8/9 days prior to the occurrence. Paramjit Kaur (deceased) came to the house of her mother and stated that her husband was demanding Rs.3,000/ - more. She was being beaten on this count. Paramjit Kaur deceased did not want to go back to her in -laws' house, but on the intervention of Harbhajan Singh, Panch, and one Rajinder Singh, she was persuaded to go to the house of her husband.

(3.) COMPLAINANT Ram Murthi along with Harbhajan Singh, Panch, went to Civil Hospital, Mandi Gobindgarh. Paramjit Kaur deceased told Ram Murti that the appellant had quarrelled with her for not bringing money. She was fed up by this attitude. After sprinkling oil on herself, she burnt herself. She further stated that the appellant threatened her with dire consequences, if she disclosed to anyone about the quarrel going on between them.