STATE OF H P Vs. KULDEEP SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The present criminal appeal has come-up for consideration after leave to appeal under Section 378(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure has been granted in reference to the impugned judgment and order dated 20.12.1999, passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge-II, Kangra at Dharamshala, District Kangra, in Sessions Trial No. 14P/VII/ 97, acquitting the alleged accused-Respondent, under Sections 498A/306 of the Indian Penal Code.

(2.) As per prosecution case, one Salochna Devi, daughter of Hirda Ram, resodent of village Menjha, Police Station, Palampur, District Kangra was married with accused Kuldip Singh, son of Hoshiar Singh, r/o village Bandla, Tehsil Palampur, District Kangra in the year 1992. Salochna Devi (victim) sustained burn injuries on 2.3.1995 at the place of her in-laws at village Bandla and subsequent to the injuries died on 8.3.1995. After investigation Kuldip Singh husband of the Salochna Devi (deceased) and Hoshiar Singh (dead), the father-in-law of the Salochna Devi were sent for trial for the offences under Sections 498A/306 IPC and the case was committed to the Sessions Court.

(3.) In order to prove its case, prosecution examined as many as 18 witnesses, whereas accused through his statement under Section 313 Code of Criminal Procedure denied the prosecution case.