Nawab Singh, J. - (1.) PETITIONER was tried by Judicial Magistrate First Class, Gohana. He was convicted under Section 326 of Indian Penal Code and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of one year and to pay fine of Rs. 5000/ - with default stipulation. He preferred an appeal but the same was dismissed by Additional Sessions Judge, Sonepat by judgment dated March 13th, 2003.
(2.) LEARNED Counsel for the Petitioner submits that Petitioner does not challenge the judgment of conviction and only prays for reduction of sentence. He further urged that the occurrence took place over a trivial issue of collection of money in the temple. The Petitioner has undergone the actual sentence of 4 months and 3 days. He has already faced the agony of protracted criminal proceedings spreading over a period of 14 years. He is the first offender. He has a family to support. The grounds taken justify the request made so, this Court upholds the conviction of the Petitioner but is inclined to reduce the sentence. It is further of the opinion that ends of justice shall be met if the Petitioner is sentenced to the period already undergone by him and orders accordingly.;