J U D G M E N T

This Criminal Appeal has been filed to set aside the judgment of conviction and sentence, dated 04.01.2013, passed by the Sessions Judge, Mahila Court, Kancheepuram District at Chengalpattu, in S.C.No.117 of 2009.

2.The case of the prosecution is as follows :

2.1.The deceased Kanchana was the daughter of Pachaiappan (P.W.1) and Raniammal (P.W.2), and younger sister of Shanmugam (P.W.3) and Nandakumar (P.W.4). Kanchana's father Pachaiappan (P.W.1) had retired from the Police Department as Constable. They hailed from Sevilimedu Village in Kancheepuram.

2.2.The appellant was a sweet master and was running a sweet stall in Kancheepuram.

2.3.Kanchana was given in marriage to the appellant on 13.03.2005 and at the time of marriage, she was given 25 sovereigns of gold and other household articles, apart from 5 sovereigns of gold given to the appellant. Kanchana and the appellant were blessed with a girl child, namely, Nanditha. The couple was living in a rented house in Door No.34/38-A, Pavadaipettai Street, Small Kancheepuram.

2.4.The appellant ran into losses and had to eventually close down his sweet stall.

2.5.It is alleged that the appellant was addicted to liquor and would