ORDER :

The two accused-appellants have been held guilty of an offence punishable under section 302/34 Indian Penal Code and each sentenced to imprisonment for life. Pargat Singh accused-appellant is the nephew (brother's son) of co-appellant Billu. There were two other women accused, namely Chhindo and Bachno. All the four were convicted by the trial court under section 302/34 Indian Penal Code. However, in the appeal preferred by the four accused persons, Chhindo and Bachno, the two ladies have been found not guilty and exonerated by the High Court though Chhindo had died during the pendency of appeal. So far as Billu and Pargat Singh, the two accused/appellants before us are concernd, their appeal was dismissed and conviction and the sentences passed thereon were upheld by the High Court.

2. The prosecution case briefly stated is that Tara Singh PW-2 and the accused-appellants are neighbours. Their houses are divided by a boundary wall. The deceased Raj Rani was Billu's bhabhi, that is, brother's wife. The brothers had separated and were living separately in either two houses or two parts of the same house which is not clear. On 11.9.93 Tara Singh PW-2 was sleeping in the courtyar