Per : Hon’ble B.C. Kandpal, J. — This Criminal Appeal, U/S 374 Criminal Procedure Code, has been filed against the judgment and order dated 31-5-1999, passed by the then Sessions Judge, Pauri Garhwal, in Sessions Trial No. 25 of 1998, State Vs Vimal Tewari and two others, where by the accused/appellants Vimal Tewari, Vijai Prakash Tewari and Smt. Basanti Devi were convicted for the offences punishable U/Ss 304-B read with Section 34 I.P.C. and 498-A read with Section 34 I.P.C. and each of them were sentenced to life imprisonment U/S 304-B/34 I.P.C. and three years R.I. and a fine of Rs. 5000/- U/S 498-A/34 I.P.C. and in default of payment of fine to undergo S.I. for two months. All the sentences were to run concurrently.

2. The facts giving rise to the present appeal, in brief, are that Smt. Kusum Tewari was married with accused Vimal Tewari on 18th June, 1997. Dowry was also given in her marriage by her brothers. However, accused persons Vimal Tewari (husband), Raghunandan (father-in-law), Smt. Basanti Devi (mother-in-law) and Vijai Prakash Tewari (brother-in-law) were not satisfied, hence they started treating Smt. Kusum with cruelty and harassment for their unlawful dem