RAJIV JASSI Vs. STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The appellant, Dr. Rajiv Jassi, hereinafter referred to as the accused, stands convicted by the learned Sessions Judge, Solan, in Sessions trial No. 25-K/7 of 2000 vide judgment dated 3/12/2001 for the offence under Section 302, Indian Penal Code and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life and to fine of Rs. 5000.00. In default of payment of fine, the accused has been sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a further period of six months.

(2.) Prosecution story, in brief, may be thus stated. The deceased Dr. Suman Lata, daughter of PW 9 Ram Kishan, was married to the accused on 25/4/1998. The deceased at the relevant time was posted as a Dental Surgeon at Civil Hospital Chail in District Solan, while the accused was posted as a Medical Officer in the Primary Health Centre, Gharuan in District Ropar (Punjab).

(3.) The relationship between the deceased and the accused became estranged immediately after marriage due to the demands for dowry being made by the accused and his parents as well as due to the excessive drinking habits of the accused, who while under the influence of liquor used to give severe beatings to the deceased.