STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH Vs. BIMLA DEVI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal of the State and revision petition of Shri Prem Chand, father of deceased Sumna Devi, are directed against the judgment of acquittal recorded by the learned Sessions Judge, Hamirpur, dated 21st May, 1996. Bimla Devi and Sushila Devi, wife and daughter of Prabhu Ram, Respondents (hereinafter referred to as the 'accused') were tried and acquitted for offences publishable under Sections 498-A and 306 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code (hereinafter referred to as 'Code').

(2.) It appears that Sumna Devi daughter of Prem Chand resident of Village Sauri, Tappa Naunghi, in Police Station Nadaun, of District Hamirpur was married to Sanjeevan Singh alias Pappu son of Prabhu Ram resident of Village Jatehri in the year 1992. She committed suicide on the evening of 4th of October, 1993 by immolating herself.

(3.) Prosecution case is that accused monther-in-law and sister of the husband used to taunt Sumna Devi that she did not know cooking, sewing or tailoring and that her mother has not taught her the household work. Sumna Devi was driven to commit suicide by this cruel behaviour of the accused. She immolated herself by pouring kerosene oil on her body and lifting herself on fire. Both the accused were charged, as noticed earlier, for offences punishable under Sections 498-A and 306 read with Section 34 of the Code. Both the accused claimed trial. The learned Trial Judge acquitted both the accused for want of evidence. Feeling dissatisfied with the judgment of acquittal State has filed this appeal. Prem Chand father of deceased Sumna has also filed a Criminal Revision (No. 64 of 1996) against the judgment of acquittal.