1. This appeal is by the accused in Sessions Case No. 75 of 1958 of the Trichur Sessions Court. He was convicted under S.302 I. P.C. and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life for causing the death of one Vellachi by stabbing her with a dagger. The incident took place on 30-10-1958 at about 1 P.M.

2. On Sunday previous to the date of occurrence there was a "Kavadi Pooja" in the house of the accused. As the 'Pandaram' did not turn up for conducting the pooja it had to be performed by Pw.13 Raman and his wife Vellachi. Thereafter the accused and his family along with some others went on a pilgrimage to Palani. On their return they alighted at the Mankara Railway Station early in the morning of 30-10-1958 and walked the rest of the distance to their house in Thiruvilwamala which is about six miles from the station. By the time they reached Thiruvilwamala the accused became agitated and began to exhibit signs of mental derangement. When the accused and his relations were sitting on the verandah of the house, Vellachi and her relations went over there to enquire about the Palani trip. The accused on seeing Vellachi said that he did not want to see her or any of h