Case Note & Summary
The appellant, Balaji Maruti Londhe, was convicted by the Additional Sessions Judge, Latur, for the murder of his wife Ranjana under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and sentenced to life imprisonment with a fine. The prosecution case was that Ranjana was married to the appellant about 3-4 years prior to the incident. Initially, she lived happily for two months, but thereafter the appellant demanded a gold ring and a local festival celebration. When her parents could not fulfill these demands, she was subjected to cruelty. She became pregnant, and when her father came to take her for delivery, the appellant refused. Later, her in-laws left her at her parental home, where she delivered a female child. Subsequently, she was taken back to the appellant's house, where ill-treatment continued on account of a demand of Rs. 50,000 for purchasing an auto rickshaw. She became pregnant again, and when her brother PW-3 went to take her for delivery, the appellant refused. After 15 days, PW-3 received information that Ranjana had died. The post-mortem revealed that the cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation. The trial court convicted the appellant. On appeal, the High Court examined the evidence and found that the circumstances, including the demand of dowry, cruelty, and the unnatural death within seven years of marriage, established the guilt of the appellant beyond reasonable doubt. The court upheld the conviction and sentence.
Headnote
A) Criminal Law - Murder - Circumstantial Evidence - Conviction under Section 302 IPC - The appellant was convicted for murder of his wife based on circumstantial evidence including demand of dowry, cruelty, and unnatural death within seven years of marriage - The court upheld the conviction, holding that the chain of circumstances was complete and pointed only to the guilt of the appellant (Paras 1-8).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the conviction of the appellant under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for the murder of his wife is sustainable based on circumstantial evidence and the presumption of dowry death.
Final Decision
The High Court dismissed the appeal and upheld the conviction and sentence of life imprisonment under Section 302 IPC.
Law Points
- Murder
- Dowry Death
- Circumstantial Evidence
- Section 302 IPC
- Section 304B IPC
- Section 498A IPC
- Presumption under Section 113B Evidence Act
