JUDGMENT

1. Heard Mr. Shishir Dixit, learned counsel for the appellant as well as Mr. Nitansh Jaiswal, learned Deputy Government Advocate, appearing for the State/respondent.

2. Today, though the criminal appeal has been listed for hearing on I.A. No.01, application for suspension of sentence and grant of bail to the appellant, however, with the consent of learned counsel for the parties, the appeal is heard finally.

3. Accordingly, I.A. No.01, application for suspension of sentence and grant of bail to the appellant, stands disposed of.

4. This criminal appeal filed by the appellant/accused under Section 374 (2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure , 1973 (for short, ‘Cr.P.C.’) is directed against the impugned judgment of conviction and order of sentence dated 23.04.2024 passed by the learned 9^th Additional Sessions Judge, Raipur, District Raipur (C.G.) in Sessions Trial No.57/2020, by which the appellant has been convicted for the offence punishable under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code , 1860 (for short, “ IPC ”) and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life and fine of Rs.1,000/-, in default of payment of fine amount, additional rigorous imprisonment for one year.

5. The prosecu