Judgment

B.N.KIRPAL, J.

(1) THIS appeal by special leave is directed against the judgment of the Punjab and Haryana High court which has upheld the conviction of the appellant who had been held guilty under Section 302 Indian Penal Code of murdering his wife Geeta Devi and had been awarded life imprisonment. He was also convicted under Section 201 Indian Penal Code and awarded imprisonment for two years.

(2) THE case of the prosecution was that the appellant, who is an advocate by profession, was married to Geeta Devi on 30/1/1982 at Alwar. During the marriage ceremony, the in-laws of the appellant stopped the photographer accompanying the marriage party to take the photographs of the ladies. This was not liked by the appellant who overreacted and took off his sehra and threatened to walk out of the mandap prior to the performing of the wedding ceremonies. Ramjilal, his father-in-law, however persuaded him to resume his seat. After the marriage, Geeta Devi had been complaining to her mother that her in-laws were not happy with the dowry brought by her. On 14/11/1982, Geeta Devi gave birth to a son. As was customary, Geetas two brothers brought some gifts