KASHMIR KAUR Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE facts leading to the filing of the present appeal are as under:

(2.) DARSHANA alias Darshan Kaur daughter of Joginder Singh resident of Village Nandpur was married to Ravail Singh son of Gian Singh about 11 months before the incident. As per the prosecution story, Joginder Singh had given sufficient dowry at the time of the marriage but Jagir Kaur (since deceased) the mother -in -law of Darshana made a further demand of Rs. 30,000/ - besides a Stereo and a Scooter from Darshana. Joginder Singh accordingly promised to give Rs. 30,000/ - in cash after the harvest. Jagir Kaur, however, started maltreating Darshana pressurizing her to bring the promised amount immediately. She accordingly returned to her parental home three days prior to the incident and requested her father to pay the amount, on which Joginder Singh told her that he would be visiting to her in -laws house within 3 -4 days with Rs. 30,000/ - in cash. On the morning of 3.11.1987, Jagir Singh (P.W. -3) observed the accused torturing Darshana and soon after received the information that she had died.

(3.) THE prosecution case was then put to the accused and their statements recorded under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. They denied the allegations levelled against them. Lakha Singh stated that he was an employee of the Electricity Board and was living separately whereas Darshana and Ravail Singh were living at the Farm House. He also produced several witnesses in defence including Dr. K.N. Prashad, Document Expert as D.W. 3.