ASHOKE CHAIR Vs. STATE OF WEST BENGAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The appellant has been convicted for commission of offence punishable under Sections 498A/306 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for ten years and to pay a fine of Rs.2,000/-, in default to suffer simple imprisonment for two months for the offence punishable under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code and to suffer imprisonment for three years and to pay a fine of Rs.1,000/-, in default to suffer simple imprisonment for one month more for the offence punishable under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code. Both the sentences to run concurrently.

(2.) The prosecution case against the appellant and other accused persons is that he was married to the victim, Momota on 21.6.1995 according to Hindu rites and customs. The couple stayed at the matrimonial home. It is alleged that Momota was tortured by the appellant and the other accused persons, namely, Sridam Chair and Laxmi Chair being her parents-in-law. The appellant put burning cigarettes on her body and she was not allowed to talk to her parents or go to their residence. Being unable to bear such torture, Momota committed suicide on 7.4.1997. Over such issue, Kalna P.S. Case No.65 of 1997 dated 12.4.1997 under Sections 498A/306 of the Indian Penal Code was registered for investigation and charge sheet was filed against the appellant and the parents-inlaw of Momota, namely, Ashoke Chair and Laxmi Chair.

(3.) In conclusion of trial, while the appellant was convicted and sentenced, as aforesaid, the other accused persons were acquitted of the charges levelled against them.