(1) HEARD learned counsel lor the parties.

(2) THIS appeal pursuant to the special leave granted, is directed against the judgment of Punjab and Haryana High court. There are two appellants, viz., Lakhjit Singh (original accused 1 and Sukhpal Kaur (original accused 2. These two appellants, along with one Vir Singh (original accused 3 were tried for offence punishable under Section 302 Indian Penal Code and convicted by the. trial court and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life and also to pay a fine of Rs. 2,000.00 and in default to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for six months. All of them preferred an appeal, but the High court acquitted Vir Singh (A-3 and confirmed the convictions of the two appellants.

(3) APPELLANT 1 is the son of appellant 2 and Vir Singh (A-3. They are the residents of Village Abul Khurana in Faridkot district. The deceased Kailo was the wife of Lakhjit Singh (A-l). On 16/02/1981, the marriage between Lakhjit Singh and the deceased took place. According to the prosecution, the three accused were demanding dowry and they used to ill-treat the deceased. About 18/19 days prior to the occurrence, the deceased went to her parents