STATE OF H P Vs. MANOHAR LAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) FOR an offence, which is alleged to have been committed on 2.3.1999, accused were put to trial. In terms of judgment dated 30.5.2001 passed by learned Addl. Sessions Judge, Una, in Sessions Case No. 9/2000 and 23/2000 RBT, titled as State of H.P. vs. Manohar Lal and another, accused stand acquitted of the charged offences.

(2.) IT is the case of the prosecution that deceased Saroj Kumari was married to Manohar Lal (accused No.1) sometime in the year 1996. Through the wedlock, one child was born. Accused No.1 and his mother Gurdao Devi (accused No.2) had been maltreating the deceased for having brought insufficient dowry. Seven to eight months prior to March, 1999, Subhash Chand, brother of the deceased and his wife Krishna Devi had visited Saroj Kumari at her matrimonial house. There she complained about the conduct of the accused. When confronted by Subhash Chand, accused promised to mend their conduct. However, the atrocities continued and resultantly on 2nd of March, 1999 deceased committed suicide by setting herself on fire. Sh. Gurnam Singh, elder brother of the deceased was informed by the accused. He arrived at the spot. While the dead body was being taken to the cremation ground, Subhash Chand protested that matter be reported to the police and post mortem conducted. Subhash Chand informed the police by making statement (Ext.PA) on the basis of which F.I.R. No.38/99(Ext.PW-8/A) dated 2.3.1999 under Sections 306, 498-A, 34 IPC was registered with Police Station, Una. Inquest report (Ext.PB) was prepared by the police, post mortem was conducted at the Civil Hospital by Dr. Vipan Chander (PW-11). The matter was investigated by the police. Cot found at the spot in a totally burnt condition was recovered. Photographs of the spot were also taken. Statements of the relevant parties were recorded and challan presented in the Court for trial.

(3.) APPRECIATING the material on record, the Court below acquitted the accused of the charged offences. Hence, the present appeal.