Case Note & Summary
The appellant, Yashwant Baban Chavan, was convicted under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for the murder of his wife, Rohini, and sentenced to life imprisonment by the IV Additional Sessions Judge, Satara, in Sessions Case No. 97 of 2000. The appellant appealed against this conviction. The prosecution case was that the appellant suspected his wife of having an illicit relationship with another labourer, Raju Lonkar, leading to frequent quarrels. On 12th March 2000, Rohini was ill and did not go to work. The appellant abused her and later sent his daughter (PW-4) to buy bhel. When the daughter returned, the appellant took the bhel and asked her to accompany him to eat pedha, but she refused. A neighbour (PW-5) informed the daughter that the appellant had beaten her mother. The daughter found her mother lying on a quilt, smeared with blood, with an axe nearby. The matter was reported to the police, who arrested the appellant and completed the investigation. The trial court convicted the appellant based on circumstantial evidence, including motive, last seen together, extra-judicial confession, and recovery of the axe. The High Court, after re-appreciating the evidence, held that the chain of circumstances was complete and pointed only to the guilt of the appellant. The court found that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and dismissed the appeal, upholding the conviction and sentence.
Headnote
A) Criminal Law - Murder - Circumstantial Evidence - Motive - Section 302 Indian Penal Code, 1860 - Appeal against conviction for murder of wife on suspicion of infidelity - Court held that the chain of circumstances including motive, last seen together, extra-judicial confession, and recovery of weapon was complete and pointed only to the guilt of the accused - Held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt (Paras 1-10).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the conviction of the appellant under Section 302 IPC based on circumstantial evidence is sustainable.
Final Decision
Appeal dismissed; conviction and sentence under Section 302 IPC upheld.
Law Points
- Circumstantial evidence
- motive
- last seen together
- extra-judicial confession
- Section 302 IPC
- Section 313 CrPC
