JUDGMENT

M. Srinivasan. J.-The appeal is by the State Government against the judgment of the High Court of Madras setting aside that of the Additional Principal Sessions Judge, Coimbatore and acquitting the respondent of the charges under Sections 302 and 201 IPC. The Special Leave Petition was filed earlier by the brother of the deceased Nagammal against the same judgment of the High Court. After granting permission to the petitioner to file the S.L.P., notice was ordered by this Court in the S.L.P. and later directed to be tagged on to the above appeal.

2. The respondent was working as Assistant Professor of Mathematics in Udumalpet College. He married Nagammal on 12.3.76. After marriage, he got transferred to a college in Tirupur. Nagammal became an Assistant Professor in Vellalar College, Erode. Though the respondent was highly educated, he was insisting on her resigning her job and living with him as house wife. Besides, he along with his parents was making repeated demands for dowry in the shape of household articles. As regards their married life, the High Court has observed thus :

"It is true that the family life of Nagammal proved to be miserable. From the beginning there wa