V.K. Mohanan, J.

1. The sole accused in S.C. No.105 of 1998 of the court of the Additional Sessions Judge-II, Mavelikkara is the appellant, who challenges his conviction and sentence imposed against him vide judgment dated 7.3.2003 of the trial court in the above sessions case.

2. The prosecution case is that the accused married the deceased Sangeetha on 7.9.1997 as per Hindu Religious rites and customs and thereafter they were living as man and wife and at that time, the accused illtreated the deceased both physically and mentally demanding dowry and due to the continuous harassment, the deceased returned to her parental house and at about 10 a.m. on 11.1.1998, she consumed poison and while she was undergoing treatment in the government Hospital, Adoor, she died at about 12.30 p.m. on 11.1.1998. On the basis of the above allegation, Crime No.9 of 1998 was registered in the Nooranadu Police Station for the offences punishable under Section 498A and 306 I.P.C.

3. On completing the investigation, the police had preferred report before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Mavelikkara based upon which CP.No.14 of 1998 was instituted in the said court and the learned M