Chet Ram Thakur, J. :- This is an appeal by Paras Ram, son of Mangal Ram, aged 30 years, resident of village Manakpur, against his conviction under Section 302 and sentence of imprisonment for life, passed by the Sessions Judge, Simla, on 6th January, 1971, for having caused the murder of his wife, Sito, aged 22 years on the 21st May, 1970 at 10 A. M. at his house in village Manakpur, Tehsil Nalagarh.

2. The facts as have appeared in the evidence are briefly as under:- On 21st May, 1970, at about 10 A. M., Gian Chand and Nanak were returning to their houses along with their cattle from Manakpur Khud. Jeonu was with Nanak. The houses of Nanak and Gian Chand are near the house of the accused. When these three persons were near the house of the accused they heard the cries. "Mar Diya, Mar Diya; Bachao, Bachao" from the house of the accused. Gian Chand went into the house of the accused. He was followed by Nanak Chand and Jeonu. They saw the accused giving Kirpan blows to his wife, Sito, who was shouting, "Chhudao Chhudao". In the presence of these three witnesses, the accused gave one Kirpan blow on the right hand of Sito, one blow near the left shoulder and the third blow on