JUDGMENT :

Hrishikesh Roy, J.

1. This Appeal challenges the judgment and order dated 4.3.2010 of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana whereunder, the Criminal Appeal No. 408-SB of 1999 of the convicted appellant was dismissed and the judgment of conviction under section 306 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (for short “the IPC”) and the consequential sentence of 4 years RI and fine of Rs. 5000/- imposed by the Learned Additional Sessions Judge, Barnala, was upheld.

2. The appellant along with his parents was charged under sections 304B and 498A read with section 34 of the IPC. The learned Trial Court ordered acquittal of the appellant’s parents Dulla Singh and Karnail Kaur. However, even while declaring that there is insufficient material to convict anyone under section 304B & 498A IPC, the trial Court opined that although no charge of abetment was framed against the husband Gurcharan Singh, he can be convicted for abetting suicide of his wife, under section 306 IPC.

3. The criminal process was set in motion with registration of FIR No. 177 dated 13.8.1997 at P.S. Kotwali, Barnala, under section 304B/34 IPC and under section 498A IPC. The case was registered on the basis of statement made