A.M. Badar, J.

1. By this appeal, the appellant-State is challenging the judgment and order passed by the learned 5th Jt. J.M.F.C., Ulhasnagar on 19th November, 1998 in Regular Criminal Case No.135/1998 thereby acquitting the respondent/accused for the offence punishable under section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

2. Facts leading to the institution of the present appeal can be summarised thus :-

(a) The respondent/accused Chhagan Bankar married informant Chandabai Chhagan Bankar on 16th March, 1997. Thereafter, informant Chanda started co-habiting with the respondent/accused at Village Rahtoli, Taluka Ulhasnagar, District Thane. According to the prosecution case, after initial nice treatment for four months, married life of Chanda had seen rough weather. Her husband Chhagan started subjecting her to cruelty by asking her to bring golden necklace from her mother. She was reached to her maternal house thereafter. When she returned to her matrimonial home after stay of eight months with her parents, the accused again subjected her to cruelty by assaulting her. Thereafter, informant Chanda was again required to take shelter at her parental home. Then, she was again reach