judgment

Dr. Arijit Pasayat, J. —

1.Leave granted.

2.Challenge in this appeal is to the order passed by a Division Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissing the appeal filed by the appellant questioning correctness of his conviction for offence punishable under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (in short IPC) and sentence of imprisonment for life and fine as imposed by learned IVth Additional Sessions Judge, (F.T.C.), Anantapur.

2.Background facts in a nutshell are as follows :

The marriage between Dhanalakshmi (hereinafter referred to as deceased) and the accused took place 14 years prior to the date of incident. During the wedlock, they were blessed with three children, namely, Golla Yelugu Adilakshmi (PW2), Golla Yelugu Anjaneyulu (PW3) and Gollal Yelugu Venkatesu (LW7). At the time of marriage, the accused was doing cultivation. After marriage the deceased and the accused lived happily for some years. Due to addiction to vices, he started ill-treating his wife, demanding her to get money from her parents. About six months prior to the occurrence, the accused beat and caused fracture to the hand of the deceased and sent her along with her children to her parents hous