BARDE, J. :- In Sessions Case No. 133/1998, Additional Sessions Judge, Nanded, has convicted the accused of offence punishable under Section 302 of Indian Penal Code and has sentenced him to suffer imprisonment for life and to pay a fine of Rs. 500/-, in default of payment of fine, further rigorous imprisonment for 6 months. The appellant has filed the appeal against this order of conviction and sentence.

2. Heard Mr. Vijay Sharma, counsel (appointed) for the accused - appellant, and Mr. V. D. Sapkal, Additional Public Prosecutor, for the respondent - State.

3. The prosecution case is that on 5-4-1993, Purbhaji (PW 1), Police Patio of village Nimgaon, received information that Nilabai, wife of the present accused Ramsingh s/o. Laxman Rathod, was murdered. He, therefore, visited the house of the accused and saw the dead body of Nilabai. There were stab injuries on her person. He made enquiries with the accused and the accused told him that he was suspecting character of his wife and, therefore, at about 12.30 midnight, he committed murder of his wife. The Police Patil then went to Police Station, Mantha, and lodged the report. Crime No. 18/93 was registered. The Police took u