(1.) The instant appeal is directed against the judgment and order dated 23-25.08.2003, passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Sirsa, (for short, 'the trial Court'), whereby, the appellant has been convicted and sentenced as under:--
(2.) The copies of the challan were supplied to the accused and upon committal of the case to the Court of Session Judge, Sirsa, it was entrusted to the trial Court vide order dated 07.01.2003. After hearing both the sides, accused Kapil was charged under Sections 363/366-A/376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC for short), whereas, accused Kanta Devi and Partap Singh were discharged finding no prima facie case against them. Accused-appellant, Kapil Dev, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.
(3.) In order to substantiate the charges against the accused, the prosecution examined the following witnesses:--