JUDGMENT :

This appeal has been filed challenging the conviction and sentence imposed on the appellant in S.C.No.380/2013 on the file of the Additional District and Sessions Judge (for the trial of cases relating to Atrocities & Sexual Violence against Women and Children), Ernakulam. S.C.No.380/2013 arises out of Crime No.1166/2012 of Udayamperoor Police Station alleging commission of offence under Sections 498A, 308 and 324 of the Indian Penal Code.

2. The prosecution case is that the appellant married PW1-Latha on 29.3.1993 as per customary rites and ceremonies. Two daughters were born to the appellant and PW1. It is alleged that on 24.9.2012, at about 10 p.m., the appellant entered into a fight with PW1 and banged PW1's head on the wall of the bed room of the house in which they were residing and assaulted her by beating her with his hand and by kicking her and when Pws 2 and 5 attempted to intervene, the appellant/accused assaulted them brought two bottles of kerosene from the kitchen and poured the kerosene over the Pws 1, 2 and 5 and attempted to set fire them and thereby he committed the offence alleged against him.

3. Sri. M. Dinesh appears for the appellant pro bono on the ba