1. Heard rival submissions at length on this appeal preferred by original accused No.1 challenging the judgment and order dated 31.1.1997 passed by Additional Sessions Judge, Nashik in Sessions Case No. 172 of 1996.

2. Originally four accused, including the present appellant-accused No. 1, were charged for the offence punishable under Sections 498A and 306 of the Indian Penal Code read with Section 34 of the I.P.C.

3. By the impugned judgment and order, original Accused Nos. 2, 3 and 4 were acquitted of all the charges. Present appellant Accused No.1 was also acquitted of the offence punishable under Section 306 read with section 34 of the I.P.C. However, he is convicted only for the offence punishable under Section 498A of I.P.C. and was sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for six months and to pay a fine of Rs.500/-in default of fine to undergo imprisonment for one month.

4. Being aggrieved by the said judgment and order, the appellant Accused No.1 preferred the present appeal. During the pendency of the present appeal, he was released on bail. However, when the matter was taken for final hearing before this Bench, he did not remain present, so also his Advocate