1. The present appeal has been preferred by the Appellant assailing the judgment dated 22.12.2000 passed by the First Additional Sessions Judge, Mahasamund, in Sessions Trial No. 430 of 1999, whereby the Appellant stands convicted under S.498(A) and S.304(B) of IPC and sentenced to undergo R.I. for 2 years and to pay fine of Rs.1000/- in default of payment of which, to undergo additional R.I. for 6 months under S.498(A) of IPC and also to undergo R.I. for 10 years under S.304(B) of IPC. Both the sentences were directed to run concurrently.

2. Brief facts of the case are that on 15.4.1999, a Merg Intimation (Exhibit P - 1) was lodged at Police Station Pithoura intimating that the deceased Parmila Bai, wife of the Appellant, is said to have died because of burn injuries and that she was taken to Pithoura Hospital where she was declared dead. Post - mortem report opined that the