JUDGMENT

S.B. Sinha, J.—Appellant No.1 was married to Amarjit Kaur (deceased). She had been complaining of ill-treatment at the hands of her in laws. The dispute between the deceased on the one hand and Appellants on the other was resolved by Panchayat. As despite the same, ill-treatment continued, an application was filed before the Senior Superintendent of Police by the deceased. Appellant No.1 was working as Sepoy in the Indian Army. He took leave for two months. A settlement was effected whereby Appellants were made responsible for any untoward incident that might happen to the deceased. She in view of the said settlement came to her matrimonial home. On 12.10.1995, she received 90 burn injuries. She was taken to a hospital. Although she was in her senses, having regard to the extent of burn injuries suffered by her, the doctors attending on her opined that her dying declaration should be taken. Her dying declaration was taken down by one Dr. Anoop Kumar in presence of other doctors including Dr. R.S. Kadiyan, Professor of Skin and VD Department, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana. The said dying declaration, marked as Ex. P-1, which was recorded at about 08.30 A.M. on 12.10.