Judgment

N.K. Gupta, J.;-

1. Both the criminal appeals arose from a common sessions trial. The evidence is common therefore the appellants Pawan Kumar, Halkebhai etc. have preferred this appeal against the judgment dated 14.8.1997 whereas the appellant Gopi Bai has preferred this appeal against the judgment dated 26.11.1999 passed by IIIrd Additional Sessions Judge, Sagar in ST No. 333/1993 and therefore, both the appeals are decided by a common judgment. The appellants have preferred these appeals against the judgments dated 14.8.1997 and 26.11.1999 passed by the learned IIIrd Additional Sessions Judge, Sagar in ST No. 333/1993 whereby the appellants were convicted for offences punishable under Sections 498A of I.P.C. and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act and sentenced for two years rigorous imprisonment with fine of Rs. 500/- and one years rigorous imprisonment with fine of Rs. 500/- In each default of payment of fine two months additional imprisonment was directed.

2. The prosecution's case in short is that on 16.5.1993 Narayan Prasad (PW 1) had submitted a merg intimation Ex. P/1 to the Police Station Rehli, District Sagar that his daughter Sudha had expired on 16.5.1993 at a