S.D.ANAND,J - (1.) APPELLANT Ram Chander is husband of Sneh Lata deceased. Their marriage was solemnized in the year 1993. Sneh Lata is sister of PW1 Rajbir and niece of PW2 Hazari. The appellant (alongwith his parents) was tried, for offences under Sections 302/34 and 201 IPC. His parents earned a verdict of acquittal at the hands of the learned Trial Court. However, the appellant was convicted.
(2.) THE appellant was not satisfied with the adequacy of the dowry brought by Sneh Lata. He had a grievance that inadequate amount had been provided at the time of marriage for the purchase of T.V., Cooler and other household articles. In the course of her visits, 5/7 in number, to her natal house, Sneh Lata brought that grievance to the notice of her parents who assured her that the demands would be met when a child was born to her. On the birth of a male child on 21.11.1995, her parents gave a sum of Rs. 1100/- in cash, silver ornaments, a chain of gold and also a Karra for the child. Even that did not satisfy the appellant. He, through his wife, communicated a grievance to latter's parents that more money, clothes and articles were required to be provided and that if the demand was not met, Sneh Lata would not be permitted to visit her natal house. On 20.7.1996, Dharam Pal, an uncle of appellant Ram Chander, visited the house of parents of Sneh Lata and informed that Sneh Lata had died and that he had no idea whether she had been killed or she had died a natural death. He also informed them that the cremation would take place the following morning. The parents and brother of Sneh Lata went over to the house of the appellant the following morning and noticed that there were finger marks on the neck of the deceased.
(3.) THE investigation of the case was taken in hand and on the investigating agency recording a finding that Sneh Lata had been done to death, the appellant and (his parents-since acquitted by the Trial Court) were challaned.;