JUDGMENT :

VINIT KUMAR MATHUR, J.

1. The present Criminal Appeal has been filed under Section 374(2) Cr.P.C. by the accused–appellant Ravi Kumar son of Shri Satnaam, assailing the legality and validity of the judgment dated 23.01.2023 passed by learned Additional Sessions Judge, Suratgarh, District Sri Ganganagar, in Sessions Case No. 26/2017 (State vs. Ravi Kumar) whereby the accused–appellant has been convicted for the offence under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to undergo life imprisonment and fine of Rs.10,000/-, in default of payment of fine, to further undergo six month’s simple imprisonment.

2. Succinctly stated, the facts of the case are that on 18.06.2017, the complainant Deepak Singh submitted a written report (Exhibit P-9) at Police Station Suratgarh, stating therein that his uncle’s son, Sunny, son of Charan Singh, had come to Suratgarh from Sirsa approximately 9–10 days prior for the purpose of employment, along with Raju, Jayram, and Ravi. All four were residing together in a rented room situated in Ward No. 8, RIICO Area, Suratgarh. It was alleged that on 14.06.2017 at about 10:00 p.m., Ravi Kumar had a quarrel with Sunny Singh and, in the course of