(1.) The present appeal is maintained by the appellant/accused/convict (hereinafter referred to as "the accused") laying challenge to judgment dated 26.10.2013, passed by learned Additional Sessions Judge, Hamirpur, H.P., in Sessions Trial No. 1 of 2013, whereby the accused was convicted for the commission of offence punishable under Section 302 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 (hereinafter referred to as "IPC").
(2.) The background facts, as projected by the prosecution, can tersely be summarized as under:
(3.) The prosecution, in order to prove its case, examined as many as twenty five witnesses. Statement of the accused was recorded under Section 313 Cr.P.C., wherein he pleaded not guilty.