1. Exception is taken to the judgment and order dated 24.10.2002 delivered by the 3rd Adhoc Additional Sessions Judge, Nagpur in Sessions Trial 25/2002, by and under which, the accused is convicted of offence punishable under section 498A and 306 of Indian Penal Code and is sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for the period of two years and to payment of fine of Rs.1000/- and is further convicted of offence punishable under section 306 of I.P.C. and is sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for four years and payment of fine of Rs.1500/-.

2. Heard Ms. Dharini Muley, the learned counsel for the accused and Shri N.B. Jawade, the learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the respondent/State.

3. The case of the prosecution as is unfolded during the trial is that the appellant (hereinafter referred to as “the accused”) and the deceased Leelabai entered into wedlock in 1997. Initially, Leelabai was treated well. However, after a year accused started ill-treating Leelabai. The accused was demanding Rs.5000/- for availing electric connection. He was also physically ill-treating Leelabai under the influence of liquor. Leelabai was pregnant, her mother Sugandhabai wished to