JUDGMENT :

Arun Mishra, J.

1. The State is in appeal as against the reversal of the judgment of the trial court acquitting the respondent for commission of the offence under section 302 IPC by committing murder of his wife by way of administering poison. The respondent was imposed life imprisonment and fine of Rs.5,000 by the trial court which has been reversed by the appellate court.

2. The prosecution case in brief is that the respondent Dr. Rajiv was married to Dr. Suman Lata, daughter of Ram Kishan, PW9. The marriage was performed on 25.4.1998. The incident took place on 26.5.2000. At the relevant time deceased was posted as Dental Surgeon at Civil Hospital, Chail, district Solan; whereas the accused was posted as Medical Officer in Primary Health Centre, Gharuan in district Ropar, State of Punjab.

3. Prosecution has alleged that the relationship between the deceased and the accused became estranged due to demand of dowry and excessive drinking habit of accused. Under the influence of liquor he used to beat the deceased. On 23.5.2000 Anil Kumar, PW 8 brother visited the deceased at Chail and stayed with her. In the intervening night of 25th and 26th May, 2000 the accused reached Ch