VINIT KUMAR MATHUR,J. - (1.) The instant criminal appeal has been filed by the appellants to challenge the judgment dated 25/11/2003 passed by the Additional District and Sessions Judge (Fast Track) Hanumangarh in Sessions Case No. 104/2003, whereby the appellants have been convicted for the offence under Section 302 IPC and sentenced for life imprisonment with a fine of Rs. 500/- each, in default of payment of fine, to further undergo one month rigorous imprisonment.
(2.) During the pendency of the present appeal, Smt. Shillo Devi and Madan passed away. Their death certificates are produced on record by learned counsel for the appellants. The fact of their death has been verified by learned public prosecutor also. Since they have passed away, the appeal qua them stands abated.
(3.) In nutshell, the facts giving rise to the present appeal are that on 27/06/1991 at around 2.15 a.m, a Parchabayan of Dalip Kumar at Bed No.2, Government Hospital, P.N.B was recorded. In the said Parchabayan, it was stated that his in-laws are staying at Dhakka Basti Mandi, Pilibanga. His father-in-law is Amarchand Oad. His wife is staying with his in-laws, therefore, he came there yesterday morning to meet his wife and returned the next morning. Thereafter, again he came to the place of his in-laws and in the evening, while he was sitting in the in-law "?s house, he did not remember the time but it was quite dark and there was no electricity, suddenly, his in-laws poured oil on him and alighted the fire. In alighting the fire, his wife and kids were not involved. After alighting the fire, nobody came to rescue him and he was struggling himself. He did not remember who brought him to the hospital, but a number of persons were present there. It was further stated that his in-laws were harassing him for the last six years and whenever his wife came to her parental house, they delayed her coming back, whereas he could not live without his wife.;