AMI CHAND AND ORS. Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal is directed against the judgment of conviction dated 07.01.2003 and order on sentence dated 10.01.2003 rendered by Sh. S.D. Anand, the then Sessions Judge, Gurgaon, whereby, the appellants Ami Chand and Harish were held guilty for committing offences punishable under Sections 498 -A/304 -B of Indian Penal Code (for short 'IPC'). For committing offence under Section 498A, they were sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of three years and pay a fine of Rs. 5000/ - each. In default of payment of fine to further undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of six months. However, for committing an offence punishable under Section 304 -B IPC, they were sentenced for imprisonment for life. The substantive sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

(2.) AT the very outset, we would like to make a mention that Chameli wife of Ami Chand was also accused in this case but since she had died, therefore, the trial proceeded only against the accused father -in -law -Ami Chand and husband -Harish.

(3.) IN -laws of Jagwati informed about her death in Ram Manohar Lohia, Hospital, to the complainant by going to his house on the night of 02.03.1992. In the following morning they reached the aforesaid hospital and found the dead body of Jagwati in burnt condition. Complainant further reported that on account of giving beatings by her in -laws for insufficient dowry and for not fulfilling their demand of fridge, scooter and gold chain and as her mother -in - law Chemeli had been harassing and teasing her day and night on account of inadequate dowry, therefore, she had burnt herself. On this report endorsement Ex.PC/1 was made and formal FIR Ex.PC/2 was recorded.