PARGAT SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner Pargat Singh stands convicted under section 354, Indian Penal Code, and sentenced to six months 'rigorous imprisonment and to pay a fine of Rs 250/.-

(2.) The revision was admitted only to consider the question of sentence. The only ground on which the petitioner was convicted is that he caught hold of the arm of the prosecutrix Harjinder Kaur on March 23, 1983 in the bazaar. The petitioner is a Government employee and the only provider of his family consisting of his old mother and young pregnant wife. In the case of affirmation of his sentence he will not only lose his employment but his family will also face financial stringency. He is a first offender. Considering his antecedents and the nature of offence committed by him his sentence is set aside and he is ordered to be released on probation for a period of two years on his entering into requisite bond in the sum of Rs. 2000/- with one surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial Court to appear and receive sentence when called upon during the period of probation and in the meantime to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. He shall also pay Rs. 250/- as costs of proceedings. With this modification in the order of sentence this revision stands dismissed.