M.R. Verma, J.—This Jail appeal is directed against the judgment dated 19.10.2001 passed by the learned Sessions Judge, Mandi, whereby the appellant/accused (hereafter referred to as the accused) has been convicted under Sections 302, 201 and 498-A of the Indian Penal Code and has been sentenced to imprisonment for life and fine of Rs. 5,000/- and in default of payment of fine to undergo rigorous imprisonment for six months under Section 302 IPC, imprisonment for one year and fine of Rs. 2,000/- and in default of payment of fine to undergo rigorous imprisonment for two months under Section 201 IPC and to undergo rigorous imprisonment for two years and fine of Rs. 2,000/- and in default of payment of fine to undergo rigorous imprisonment for two months under Section 498-A IPC.

2. Case of the prosecution in brief is that Sita Devi (since deceased and referred to as such hereafter) daughter of Dropti Devi (PW-2) and sister of Santoshi Devi (PW-7) was married to the accused 14/15 years before. One daughter and one son were born out of the wedlock. The deceased was kept by the accused nicely for about 2/3 years but then he started beating her. This fact was brought to the notice