Judgment

Sema, J.—Heard parties.

2. The sole appellant was put to trial under Sections 302/201/467/468/420 IPC and under Section 15(2)(b) of Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. The trial court after threadbare discussion of the evidence and documents placed on record convicted the appellant under Section 302 IPC and sentenced him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life and fine of Rs. 200/- each on five counts and in default to undergo simple imprisonment for one month on each count. On appeal, the High Court confirmed the conviction. Hence, this appeal by special leave.

3. The facts established are that in the intervening 11/12 March, 1998 the accused who was medical practitioner caused the death of his father in law, mother in law and their three minor children due to poisoning by Pan curonium bromide, the trade name of which is ‘Pavulon’, which was administered through injection.

4. The facts of this case, as unfolded by the prosecution story shocked judicial conscience. A greedy son-in-law with the intention of grabbing the property of father-in-law wiped out the entire family; even three minor innocent children were not spared.

5. The case rests entirely on circumstantial evidence.