JUDGMENT :

Abhay Manohar Sapre, J.

1. This appeal is filed against the final judgment and order dated 03.01.2007 passed by the High Court of Karnataka at Bangalore in Criminal Appeal No.1040 of 2000 whereby the High Court allowed the appeal filed by the respondent/State herein.

2. It is necessary to set out the facts hereinbelow in detail to appreciate the issues arising in this appeal.

3. The appellant (accused) was married to Rukmini Bai (deceased) on 04.06.1994. On the same day, the younger sister of Rukmani Bai, namely, Sonabai was also married to the appellant's younger brother-Bhimanand. Both the marriages were performed in Lokeshwar Temple at a place called Lokapur.

4. After marriage, the appellant, who was serving as a Constable in the Police Station, Kaladagi in the District Bagalkot went to Kaladagi with Rukmini Bai. So far as the appellant's younger brother was concerned, he was working as a Constable in CRPF at Nagaland. He also proceeded to Nagaland with his wife.

5. On 02.10.1995, father of Rukmini Bai Eknath (PW1) received a wireless message that Rukmini Bai was admitted to Government Hospital at Bagalkot for burn injuries. On receipt of the message, Eknath and some elder