JUDGMENT :

SHREE CHANDRASHEKHAR, J.

1. The sole appellant has faced the trial on the charge under section 304-B of the Indian Penal Code for committing dowry death of Arti Devi, his wife. In Sessions Trial No. 303 of 2009, the appellant has been convicted and sentenced to RI for life and fine of Rs. 10,000/- under section 304-B of the Indian Penal Code.

2. The case of the prosecution is that the appellant was married to Arti Devi in the year 2001 and from the wedlock two children were born. The appellant had bad drinking habit and about two years after the marriage he started harassing and torturing his wife in connection to demand of dowry. About 3-4 years back, Arti Devi brought Rs. 27,000/- from her father and gave to her husband, however, he further demanded Rs. 40,000/- from her father and because his demand was not fulfilled he continued to abuse his wife. In the afternoon of 10.03.2005 there was a quarrel between the appellant and his wife regarding the demand of money and when his wife protested he poured kerosene oil on her and set her on fire. On hearing cries of Arti Devi the neighbours assembled there and admitted her at Patratu Hospital and for her better treatment she wa