SATNAM SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The present appeal is instituted against judgment and order dated 6.2.2015, rendered by Additional Sessions Judge, Tarn Taran, in Sessions Case No. 15 of 6.6.2011/ 18.12.2014, vide which appellant Satnam Singh son of Malook Singh was charged with and tried for the offence punishable under Sections 302 IPC. He was convicted and sentenced under Section 302 IPC to undergo life imprisonment and to pay fine of Rs. 10,000/-, and in default of payment of fine, to further undergo rigorous imprisonment for two months.

(2.) The case of the prosecution in a nutshell is that on 21.4.2011, PW2 Surinder Kaur lodged a complaint to the effect that her daughter Simarpal Kaur was married to Satnam Singh (appellant) about 30 years back. Satnam Singh was a drug addict and used to give beatings to her daughter. He was having illicit relations with other women. Satnam Singh used to administer beating after consuming liquor. They had requested him to mend his ways. On 21.4.2011 at about 10.10 A.M., complainant, her husband PW4 Tarlok Singh, elder daughter PW3 Balwinder Kaur and sonin-law Satnam Singh son of Kirpal Singh went to meet Simarpal Kaur. Her daughter was lying on the cot in the courtyard. Her face was covered with cloth. When the cloth was removed, then, she found that there were signs of electric burns on the left arm of her daughter. There were also signs of strangulation on her neck. Her daughter was killed by Satnam Singh resident of village Kaji Kot. On the basis of her statement, FIR was registered. The inquest report was prepared. The body was sent for postmortem examination. The post-mortem examination was conducted by PW1 Dr. Rohit Mehta. Investigation was completed and challan was put up after completion of all the codal formalities.

(3.) The prosecution examined a number of witnesses in support of the case. The statement of the accused was also recorded under Section 313 Cr.P.C. He denied the case of the prosecution. He was convicted and sentenced, as noticed above. Hence, the present appeal.