Judgment

SARKARIA, J.:- This appeal by special leave is directed against a judgment, dated June 7, 1974, of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, whereby it upheld the conviction of Rama Nand accused under Section 302, Penal Code, and that of the co-accused Shish Ram and Kali Datt under Section 201, Penal Code, and also the sentences awarded to each of them by the learned Sessions Judge, Mandi. The prosecution story, as it emerged from the record was as follows :

Sumitra deceased,, aged 19 years, was the daughter of Som Krishan (P. W. 33). Rama Nand, appellant is her husband and Shish Rani, appellant 2, is her father-in-law while Kali Datt appellant 3, is the younger brother of Rama Nand.

2. Sumitras father wished to see his daughter highly educated, and employed in Government service and married to a suitable, highly educated person, settled in life. Sumitra had passed Higher Secondary Examination and wanted to pursue her studies further according to the wishes of her father.

3. About two years before Sumitras reported death, Shish Ram appellant approached Som, Krishan (P. W. 33) and persuaded him to give Sumitra in marriage to his son, Rama Nand. While negotiating this matrimonial alli