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Ibrahimkhan Alikhan Pathan vs The State Of Mah
2024 Latest Caselaw 26090 Bom

Citation : 2024 Latest Caselaw 26090 Bom
Judgement Date : 1 October, 2024

Bombay High Court

Ibrahimkhan Alikhan Pathan vs The State Of Mah on 1 October, 2024

2024:BHC-AUG:23158

                                                -1-               Cri.Appeal.608.2005

                        IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
                                  BENCH AT AURANGABAD

                               CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 608 OF 2005

              Ibrahimkhan S/o. Alikhan Pathan,
              Age : 49 years, Occu. : Service,
              R/o. Majalgaon, Tq. Majalgaon,
              Dist. Beed.                                         ... Appellant

                            Versus

              The State of Maharashtra                              ... Respondent
                                                 ...
                             Mr. R. G. Hange, Advocate for Appellant.
                     Mrs. Chaitali Chaudhari - Kutti, APP for Respondent - State
                                                 ...

                                             CORAM : ABHAY S. WAGHWASE, J.
                                       RESERVED ON : 09 SEPTEMBER, 2024
                                     PRONOUNCED ON : 01 OCTOBER, 2024

              JUDGMENT :

1. Appellant takes exception to the judgment and order

dated 29.07.2005 passed by learned Additional Sessions Judge,

Majalgaon, Dist.Beed in Sessions Case No. 27 of 2004, thereby

rendering judgment of conviction for offence punishable under

section 498-A of IPC.

FACTS GIVING RISE TO SESSIONS TRIAL

2. Deceased Mehrunissa was married to appellant. In

spite of cohabitation and long married life, she did not conceive.

Dissatisfied by the same, appellant accused under influence of

liquor used to pick up quarrel and expressed his desire to perform

-2- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

second marriage. He even suspected her fidelity. He insisted her to

mutate immovable property in his name. Mehrunissa intimated

about it to her family members and relatives. Getting fed up of ill

treatment, finally on 19.12.2001, she immolated herself and was

taken to the hospital, where she given dying declarations, which

was made basis of registration of crime.

Investigation machinery swung into action and

commenced investigation. Unfortunately, Mehrunissa succumbed

to 93% burns on 21.12.2001. Offence under section 302 IPC was

added to earlier offence of 498-A IPC and after investigation

appellant was charge-sheeted and ultimately tried before

Additional Sessions Judge, Majalgaon, Dist. Beed, who recorded

evidence of in all 15 witnesses and on appreciating oral and

documentary evidence, rendered judgment on 29.07.2005

accepting case of prosecution, but only to the extent of charge

under section 498-A IPC and acquitted him from charge under

section 302 IPC.

3. Against above judgment, instant appeal has been

preferred on various grounds raised in appeal memo.

-3- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

STATUS AND ROLE OF PROSECUTION WITNESSES

4. The prosecution has examined following 15 witnesses

in support of its case. Their role and status is as under :

PW1 Ganesh is neighbour of accused and deceased.

PW2 Parvatibai is also a neighbour and an acquaintance of both deceased and appellant.

PW3 Dr. Dattatraya Pargaonkar, Medical Officer, who treated PW4 Jagannath and issued certificate Exh.20.

PW4 Jagannath is the landlord of accused and deceased.

PW5 Dr. Shriram Chavan, Autopsy Surgeon, who drew post mortem and issued opinion about cause of death.

PW6 Dnyaneshwar is pancha to spot panchanama Exh.28.

PW7 Mohammad is the brother of deceased.

PW8 Ganpat Yedke, Naib Tahsildar, who recorded dying declaration Exh.32.

PW9 A.S.I. Kalyankar, who recorded dying declaration Exh.34.

PW10 PHC Nanekar, who recorded dying declaration Exh.36.

PW11 Dr. Kailas Paithankar, who gave certificate of fitness to give dying declaration.

PW12 Dr. Kailas Dudhal, Civil Surgeon, who examined deceased in hospital.

-4- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

PW13 Mohd. Muntojoddin is brother-in-law of deceased.

PW14 Manisha is a staff nurse posted at Civil Hospital, Beed.

PW15 P.S.I. Nakhate, Investigating Officer, who carried out investigation and charge-sheeted accused.

DEFENCE EVIDENCE

5. DW1 Dr. Vinod Ostwal claims that, he was attached

District Hospital, Beed as Medical Officer. On 19.12.2001, patient

by name Mehrunissa was referred by Rural Hospital, Majalgaon for

treatment of burns and was admitted in the hospital at Beed at

about 10:00 p.m. He clinically examined her and found her to be

conscious condition and oriented and cooperative. Initially, on

asking patient Mehrunissa stated the history of accidental burns.

He noted down all these facts on the admission case paper and then

admitted her. He identified case papers at Exh.62.

6. On appreciating above evidence, learned trial Judge

acquitted accused from charge of 302 IPC, but convicted him under

section 498-A IPC and sentenced him to suffer three years

imprisonment.

SUBMISSIONS

On behalf of appellant : -

7. Challenging the impugned findings and judgment,

-5- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

learned counsel for appellant submits that, prosecution has

miserably failed to establish the charge under section 498-A IPC.

According to him, necessary ingredients of cruelty as

contemplated under law, are not available in the prosecution

evidence. He submitted that, general allegations are made that

there used to be frequent quarrels between husband and wife for

not bearing child. According to him, most of the witnesses

examined, are neighbours and some of them even does not know

the cause of quarrels. He further submitted that, there are also

allegations that, husband intended to perform second marriage as

Mehrunissa did no conceive and it is further allegation that

accused was seeking permission of deceased wife to perform

second marriage, but according to learned counsel, being a Muslim,

husband was permitted three marriages, and therefore, there is no

question of insisting for consent.

8. As regard to allegation of seeking transfer of property,

he submitted that, he himself has land in his name, and therefore,

there was no need or question to seek her signature to transfer the

land. Therefore, he submits that all allegations are without any

foundation and base. That, trial Judge has already acquitted him

from charge under section 302 IPC. That, there are multiple dying

declarations, but same are not consistent, reliable and voluntary.

-6- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

Taking this court through the impugned judgment,

learned counsel pointed out that, in paragraph no. 35, learned trial

Judge has recorded a finding that, there is confusion whether

death of Mehrunissa was accidental, suicidal or homicidal and

therefore according to him, with such finding, guilt for 498-A IPC

ought not to have been recorded. He further pointed out that, even

when it was not a case of prosecution that husband suspected

fidelity and beat her, finding to that extent has been written in

paragraph no. 45 of the judgment. On this count, he seeks reliance

on judgments of Hon'ble Apex Court in the case of Girdhar Shankar

Tawade v. State of Maharashtra, AIR 2002 SC 2078 and Gananath

Pattnaik v. State of Orissa, 2002 (2) SCC 619.

For above reasons, he questions the findings and

conclusion reached at by learned trial Judge and prays to set aside

the same on the ground that there is complete improper

appreciation of evidence and failure to apply settled law.

On behalf of Respondent - State :-

9. Opposing the above submissions, learned APP would

point out that, here, there is overwhelming, clinching and

convincing evidence on behalf of prosecution in trial court.

Learned APP submitted that, as many as 15 witnesses are

-7- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

examined. She pointed out that, except brother-in-law rest all

witnesses are neighbours and were thus independent witnesses

and moreover, they were witnesses to the quarrels and ill

treatment. All neighbours consistently deposed to that extent. It is

pointed out that, there was cruelty on three counts i.e. firstly, not

bearing child; secondly, therefore intending to perform second

marriage and thirdly, seeking her signature for transfer of

immovable property in his name. Learned APP pointed out that, it

has come in the evidence of witnesses that under influence of

liquor, husband picked up quarrel and subjected her to both,

mental and physical cruelty. Therefore, according to her, it is

incorrect on the part of appellant to submit that, there is no

evidence on the point of section 498-A IPC. She would strenuously

submit that after the episode of burns, neighbors who shifted her to

the hospital, were all informed by deceased that she was set to fire

by husband. That, immediately prior to the episode, husband was

present in the house and he had indulged in quarrels. That,

neighbours, who are witnesses speak about appellant to be present,

but acted as mute spectator and did not douse the fire and

attempted to save her. Consequently, it is her submission that,

above evidence is correctly appreciated by learned trial Judge and

as such, according to her, there is no infirmity or error on the part

of trial Judge in returning guilt.

                                       -8-                   Cri.Appeal.608.2005


                                 ANALYSIS

10. There being charge for offence as well as conviction

recorded under section 498-A IPC, at the outset, its essential

requirements are reproduced as under :-

"(1) A woman was married;

(2) She was subjected to cruelty;

      (3)    Such cruelty consisted in -
             (i)      any lawful conduct as was likely to drive such woman

to commit suicide or to cause grave injury or danger to her life, limb or health whether mental or physical;

(ii) harm to such woman with a view to coercing her to meet unlawful demand for property or valuable security or on account of failure of such woman or any of her relations to meet the lawful demand;

(iii) the woman was subjected to such cruelty by her husband or any relation of her husband."

11. Law on the point of 498A of IPC is dealt in plethora of

judgments.

As to what actually constitutes cruelty has been lucidly

succinctly and time and again dealt in numerous cases like

Giridhar Shankar Tawade v. State of Maharashtra (2002) 5 SCC

177, Gurnaib Singh v. State of Punjab (2013) 7 SCC 108; In State of

Andhra Pradesh v. M. Madhusudhan Rao (2008) 15 SCC 582 and

Bhaskar Lal Sharma v. Monica (2009) 10 SCC 604, where the Hon'ble

Apex Court dealt upon scope, object and applicability of section

498-A.

-9- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

12. There being 15 witnesses, for proper comprehension,

appreciation and analysis, it would be desirable to categorize

witnesses as per their status.

First set - Immediate Neighbours,

Second set - Relatives

Third set -Authorities, who recorded dying declarations

Fourth Set - Medical Expert.

Fifth Set - Investigation Officer.

Sixth Set - Panch Witness.

FIRST SET - IMMEDIATE NEIGHBOURS

13. PW1 Ganesh testified that, his elder brother Jagannath

had tenants i.e. Ibrahim Pathan and they stayed 50 ft. away from

his house. He was acquainted with accused, who was serving as a

teacher. Witness claims to be familiar with deceased Mehrunissa,

who was wife of accused. That, they had no issues. There were

frequent quarrels on account of domestic reason, but he does not

know exact cause. He further deposed that, accused used to come

in inebriated condition, pick up quarrels and abused wife

Mehrunissa. Witness claims that, he always made endeavour to

give understanding to accused. He claims to have personally seen

-10- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

altercation between them on 16.12.2001. He interacted with

accused, who told him that, his wife did not allow him to perform

second marriage as he was intending to perform it. He deposed

that, he gave understanding accused. On 19.12.2001 at around

7:00 to 8:00 p.m. he heard shouts of Mehrunissa and so they

rushed to the house of accused and saw her in flames. At that time,

accused was standing at the distance of 5 ft. Witness himself, his

nephew Tukaram, brother Jagannath, one Bhalchandra, mother of

Jagannath namely Parvatibai extinguished the fire. While she was

taken in jeep to the hospital, she disclosed that husband set her on

fire. She breathed her last at civil hospital.

There is extensive cross examination and only relevant

cross is reproduced herein.

In paragraph no.8, there are questions about period

since there was acquaintance with accused and his family; distance

between his house and accused; whether he accompanied accused

or gave any advice to seek medical consultation for conception or

about any advice being given to Mehrunissa to file complaint. In

paragraph no. 9, he is unable to state details of agricultural land

standing in the name of Mehrunissa. In paragraph no.10, questions

are put regarding since when accused intended to perform second

marriage and whether Mehrunissa personally informed to him. He

-11- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

admitted about receiving invitation for Eid from accused. Then, he

is questioned about episode of burns dated 19.12.2001, in which

she answered that he only saw accused while present in the house.

He also volunteered that, there was can in the hand of accused, but

answered that, he made no attempts to snatch away the can. He

denied obtained handloan from accused.

Omission is brought in paragraph no.15 regarding

incident of 16.12.2001 regarding altercation going between

accused and deceased; about calling accused outside the house and

persuading him to wait till morning and assured that he would

obtain the signature by giving understanding to her. In paragraph

no.16, he answered that, he met police 5 to 6 days after the

incident and he had no occasion to disclose story narrated by

victim to anybody else. He deposed that, there were no other talks

during the journey to the hospital except disclosing by Mehrunissa

about burns by her husband. Again omission is brought in

paragraph no.17 about victim shouting "Bachav - Bachav".

PW2 Parvatibai claimed that, she was acquainted with

both, accused and deceased. They had no children. As deceased

could not conceive, there were frequent quarrels between them.

Accused insisted her to give him signature on paper for permission

to perform second marriage and also get immovable property

-12- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

transfer in his name. Regarding incident of burns, she stated that,

she heard shouts and so she rushed to the spot. Accused was also

present in the rear side portion of the house. Tukaram, Jagannath

and other doused the fire by pouring the water and Mehrunissa

being taken in jeep and before it in the house she disclosed that

husband set her on fire and she succumbed to burns and admit in

hospital.

This witness is cross-examined primarily on the

episode of burns. She admitted that, at Majalgaon hospital, brother

and his wife had arrived in hospital. She admitted that, there was

no conversation in the journey. She admitted that she did not give

advice to accused on account of conception of Mehrunissa. She

admitted cordial relations with there and admitted she made

inquiry about agriculture land and its location. But she admitted

that it was purchased by accused in the name of Mehrunissa. She

also admitted that accused did not ask Mehrunissa to mutate land

in his name during her presence. In cross, paragraph no. 8, she

admitted that brother of Mehrunissa, namely Badioddin, his wife

and even accused accompanied with Mehrunissa to Beed hospital.

Rest is all denial.

14. PW4 Jagannath in his evidence at Exh.21/C stated

that, accused resided in a room, abutting to his cattle shed since 15

-13- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

to 20 years. That, his marriage was performed with Mehrunissa

since prior to residing in his house and they had no children.

According to him, there were frequent quarrels between accused

and his wife, but he did not know its cause. In their fight, he and

his brother persuaded them not to fight. On 19.12.2001, after

hearing commotion, he went there and saw the neighbourers

thronged in front of house of accused and Tukaram going towards

house of accused with bucket of water. He too rushed and saw

Mehrunissa in flames. He and his brother Tukaram made

endeavour to douse fire and suffered burns to his finger. While he

was extinguishing fire, at that time, accused was standing in a

room at a distance of 4 to 5 feet. That time, Mehrunissa disclosed

that husband poured kerosene and set her on fire. She was taken

in jeep, he himself went to doctor for treatment of his burns.

While under cross, he answered that, accused was his

friend and that the couple was anxious on account of conception,

but he denied giving any advice for undergoing treatment. Then

stated that he did advice accused to go for medical check up at

Gujrat and he accordingly took him to Gujrat. He admitted that, he

reached 15 minutes after the burns and when fire was almost

doused. In paragraph no.14, he stated that, as per his knowledge

Mehrunissa had conceived during wedlock and he learnt about it

-14- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

from accused. That, there was conversation between Mehrunissa

and his brother Ganesh. Rest is all denial.

SECOND SET - RELATIVES

15. PW7 Mohammad Badiuddin, brother of deceased

deposed at Exh.29 that, after marriage with appellant, his sister

could not conceive, resulting into quarrels between spouses.

Accused appellant insisted for another marriage. Accused intended

to perform another marriage for children. Appellant accused also

asked his sister Mehrunissa to transfer agricultural land in his

name, which was mutated in her name. Accused appellant used to

beat Mehrunissa and she used to disclose all these facts whenever

she met. On 19.12.2001, while we was working as P.S.O. at

Majalgaon police station, he learnt about admission of his sister in

the hospital at Majalgaon. He immediately rushed there. He claims

that he asked cause of burns to his sister and she disclosed that in

the evening around 7:00 to 7:15 p.m., while she was at home,

appellant arrived at home, there was an altercation between them

and in the fight, accused husband poured kerosene and set her

ablaze.

In cross he admitted that, he does not know about visit

of his sister and her husband to Gujrat for medical treatment. He

answered that he made inquiry to his sister about the details of

second marriage of accused, but she did not inform specific details

-15- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

of purpose of marriage. Therefore, in spite of being brother, his

evidence in support of quarrel and fights or second marriage is also

omnibus in nature. He also admitted that land standing in the

name of his sister, was purchased by accused himself.

16. PW13 Mohd. Muntojoddin, brother-in-law of deceased

at Exh.44 stated that, victim Mehrunissa was the sister of his wife

and she was married to appellant in the year 1976. Victim did not

conceive out of wedlock. There were frequent quarrels between

them on that count. Husband used to beat and maltreat

Mehrunissa. Whenever she came to his house, she disclosed such

facts to him. According to him, the incident took place on

19.12.2001 and so he and his wife on receipt of message, rushed to

the hospital at Beed. He claims that, he asked her about burns and

at that time she disclosed that around 6:30 to 7:00 p.m., there was

bickering between the spouses and enraged husband Ibrahim

doused her by kerosene oil and set her on fire. She succumbed to

the burns on 21.12.2001.

Paragraph 7 of his cross shows that, there is omission

as regards to husband beating Mehrunissa on account of infertility.

THIRD SET - AUTHORITIES WHO RECORDED DYING DECLARATIONS

17. PW8 Ganpat, Naib Tahsildar at Exh.30/C testified that,

-16- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

on 20.12.2001, while he was attached Tahsil office as Naib

Tahsildar and was empowered to be also Special Executive

Magistrate. On 19.12.2001, an intimation was received from police

and requesting him to record statement of one burn patient

Mehrunissa, who admitted in civil hospital. Therefore, he visited

hospital, consulted doctor, who obtained certification on the paper

at around 00:45 a.m. on 20.12.2001. Patient gave statement. He

obtained her thumb impression. He identified said declaration to

be at Exh.32.

In cross, he is unable to assign reason as to why it is not

noted that contents of Exh.32 was read over and explained to

deceased.

18. Second witness, who recorded second dying

declaration is PW9 A.S.I. Kalyankar, who in his evidence at Exh.33

deposed that, while he was attached to police station Beed as head

constable, on 19.12.2001, he was assigned the duty at Government

Hospital Chowky, Beed. On receipt of information from Medical

Officer about admission of Mehrunissa due to burns, he went there,

approached doctor, who accompanied him and when doctor opined

that she was in condition to give statement, certificate to that

extent obtained. He reduced her statement and obtained her toe

impression on the declaration and signature of the concerned

-17- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

doctor. He identified the said dying declaration at Exh.34.

19. PW10 Nanekar, another Police Head Constable at

Exh.35 stated that, PSI Nakhate deputed him for recording the

statement of Mehrunissa and accordingly he went to the

Government Hospital at Beed, consulted doctor, obtained

certificate of fitness and recorded her statement. According to

him, in the statement, she reported that, she could not conceive

and also her husband was insisting for transfer of land in his

favour and on that count he poured kerosene and set her on fire.

He obtained her thumb impression and he identified said dying

declaration at Exh.36.

He admitted in cross that he did not visit police chowky

in the hospital to inquire whether any previous action had been

taken by Beed Police.

FOURTH SET - MEDICAL EXPERT

20. PW3 Dr. Dattatraya Pargaonkar, Medical Officer in his

evidence at Exh.19/C stated that, on 20.12.2001, he examined

Jagannath for his complaint of burn injury to his finger and he

issued certificate Exh.20.

While under cross he admitted that, he did not carry

-18- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

letter received to him from police dated 25.12.2001.

21. PW5 Dr. Shriram Chavan, autopsy surgeon, who

conducted post mortem on 21.12.2001 and attributed death due to

cardio respiratory failure due to 93% extensive burns. According

to him, burn injuries were ante-mortem in nature and sufficient to

cause death in ordinary course of nature.

He was not cross examined.

22. PW11 Dr. Kailas Paithankar at Exh.38 stated that, on

20.12.2001 while he was on duty, Executive Magistrate

approached him with a request to examine patient Mehrunissa and

therefore, he examined the patient and issued certificate Exh.36/1.

While under cross he answered that Mehrunissa was

admitted on 19.12.2001 at 10:15 p.m. That, on 20.12.2001 at

about 4:00 p.m. Dr. Dudhal i.e. PW12 examined her. He admitted

that, general condition of Mehrunissa was poor, when dying

declaration (Exh.36) was recorded.

23. PW12 Dr. Kailas Dudhal stated that, on 20.12.2001, he

was on duty as a Civil Surgeon. Around 9:00 a.m. patient by name

Mehrunissa was admitted in burn ward. He clinically examined

-19- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

her. She gave history of burns and disclosed that, husband poured

kerosene and set her on fire. Therefore, he sent requisition to the

police, who came and recorded statement on 20.12.2001. He

further deposed that Mehrunissa did not disclose him about the

person, who pressurized her to give earlier statement nor she

disclosed about the presence of any person at the time of recording

earlier dying declaration.

In cross he admitted that, on 20.12.2001 he examined

Mehrunissa at Beed, but denied that her statement was recorded at

Beed hospital yesterday. All suggestions were denied by him.

24. PW14 Manisha is the Nursing Staff and she stated that,

on 20.12.2001 around 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., doctor Dudhal attended

the patient, namely Mehrunissa in the burn ward and that time she

was accompanied doctor. According to her, patient disclosed that,

in the night, at the time of her admission in hospital, her husband

was with her, and therefore, due to his pressure, she gave incorrect

statement under pressure. That, she further added that, her

husband put her on fire by pouring kerosene. Doctor noted down

the history narrated by the patient Mehrunissa on the case papers

and she identified case papers at Exh.43.

-20- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

FIFTH SET - INVESTIGATION OFFICER.

25. PW15 P.S.I. Nakhate is the Investigating Officer.

SIXTH SET - PANCHA WITNESS.

26. PW6 Dnyaneshwar is the pancha to spot panchanama

Exh.28.

27. However, learned trial court has already acquitted

accused from offence punishable under section 302 IPC and

therefore, when said charge is not available, there is no necessity

to analyze and re-appreciate the dying declarations.

28. Consequently, only aspect which falls and remains for

consideration of this court is whether offence 498-A IPC has been

made out and thus proved beyond reasonable doubt.

ANALYSIS OF EVIDENCE OF PROSECUTION WITNESSES

29. PW1 Ganesh, PW2 Parvatibai and PW4 Jagannath, who

are neighbors and landlord respectively, deposed about quarrel

and altercation on the ground of second marriage, not conceiving

and on the ground of causing signature on the paper, but cross of

PW1 Ganesh shows that, he is not aware of medical treatment

given to wife by husband or he does not seem to be aware in whose

name agriculture land stood. Similar is the statement by PW2

-21- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

Parvitabai. Testimony of PW4 Jagannath is only on the point of

episode of burns. It needs to be noted that, marriage life of accused

and deceased was around almost two decades old. Taking the same

into consideration, though there was quarrel, this witness has over

heard about occurrence dated 16.12.2001. It is apparently a

quarrel between couple. He does not speak that deceased reported

them about any ill treatment or harassment at the hands of her

husband.

30. As regards to relatives i.e. PW7 Mohammad Badiuddin

and PW13 Mohd.. Muntojoddin are also only consistent about

quarrel between spouses on above background. Allegations of PW7

Mohd. Badiuddin are apparently general and vague. In cross, he

has admitted that, his sister did not give specific details of purpose

of second marriage. Likewise, as regards to PW13 Mohd.

Muntojoddin is concerned, there are material omissions about

husband beating on account of infertility.

Consequently, relatives evidence is also non specific

and vague.

31. As regards to dying declarations are concerned,which

are at Exhs.32, 34 and 36 respectively, on its study, it is emerging

that, in first two dying declarations, occurrence is attributed to

-22- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

immolation due to husband coming home and drunk and abusing.

Whereas in Exh.36, there are allegations of pouring kerosene by

husband. Therefore, dying declarations are not worthy of credence

as there is variance regarding reason of occurrence.

Admittedly, learned trial Judge has already acquitted

husband appellant from charge of 302 IPC. Apparently, no charge

was framed for 306 IPC in view of first two dying declarations.

32. Therefore, on careful re-appreciation of above

discussed evidence on the point of 498-A IPC, it is merely coming

on record that after getting drunk husband used to abuse, he used

to seek her consent for second marriage as she did not bear child

and seeking her signature on transfer of property papers. When

previously said instances took place, has not come on record. What

498-A IPC contemplates is consistent and continuous harassment

for cruelty. Married life of accused and deceased is 22 years old.

Therefore, mere occurrence of quarrel between couple on

16.12.2001 and episode of burns taking place on 19.12.2001,

cannot be made the basis of offence under section 498-A IPC.

33. Learned trial court has on one hand recorded that

prosecution failed to prove death of Mehrunissa to be suicidal,

accidental or homicidal, but has at the same time held charges of

-23- Cri.Appeal.608.2005

section 498-A IPC proved. Therefore, for above erroneous

approach, interference is called for. Hence, the following order :-

ORDER

I) The criminal appeal stands allowed.

II) The conviction awarded to appellant - Ibrahimkhan S/o.

Alikhan Pathan in Sessions Case No. 27 of 2004 by learned Additional Sessions Judge, Majalgaon on 29.07.2005 for the offence punishable under section 498-A of Indian Penal Code, stands quashed and set aside.

III) The appellant stands acquitted of the offence punishable under section 498-A of Indian Penal Code.

IV) The bail bonds of the appellant stands cancelled.

V) The fine amount deposited, if any, be refunded to the appellant after the statutory period.

VI) It is clarified that there is no change as regards the order in respect of disposal of muddemal.

(ABHAY S. WAGHWASE, J.)

Tandale

 
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