JUDGMENT :

ARVIND KUMAR VERMA, J.

1. This criminal appeal filed by the appellant-accused under Section 374(2) of Cr.P.C. is directed against the impugned judgment of conviction and order of sentence dated 17.08.2023, passed by the learned Sessions Judge, Surajpur, District Surajpur (C.G.) in Sessions Trial No. 43/2020, whereby the appellant-accused has been convicted for offence under Sections 302 and 201 of the IPC and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life and fine of Rs.500/- in default of payment of fine, to further undergo additional rigorous imprisonment for one month and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for two years and fine of Rs.500/- in default of payment of fine, to further undergo additional rigorous imprisonment for one month.

2. Case of the prosecution, in brief, is that complainant Sajjan Ram (PW-01) lodged Dehati Nalishi (Ex.P-1) at Police Out Post-Basdei, Police Station Surajpur against the appellant stating inter-alia that on 17.04.2020, the appellant caused the death of his wife Basanti @ Shivkunwar in his house at village Bhavrahi, Police Station and District Surajpur (C.G.). He committed the crime of murder by causing her death by beating her with h