STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH Vs. GANDHI RAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal by the State is directed against the judgment, dated 5th January, 2004, delivered by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court, Kangra at Dharamshala, in Sessions Trial No. 20/2003, whereby he acquitted the accused of having committed the offences punishable under Sections 498A and 306 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code.

(2.) THE undisputed facts of the case are that Indira Devi (deceased) was married to accused Gandhi Ram about 8 years prior to the occurrence. Out of this wedlock, two boys were born. According to the complainant, Rattan Chand, who was not examined in the Court, for about six years the relations between husband and wife were normal and cordial. One brother of accused Gandhi Ram, namely, Singho, also expired at that time. The allegation of the prosecution is that accused Gandhi Ram developed illicit relations with Veena Devi, widow of his brother, Singho Ram. This was not liked by the deceased Indira Devi. Thereafter, Gandhi Ram started torturing and beating Indira Devi. Finally, as a result of beatings and torture given to Indira Devi, she committed suicide on 14.2.1999. The father of the deceased complained to the police that he suspects that his daughter has been forced to commit suicide due to the cruelty meted out to her.

(3.) WE have heard Mr. Vivek Singh Thakur, learned Additional Advocate General for the appellantState and Ms. Kanta Thakur, learned counsel for the accused.