R.SANTOSH KUMAR vs STATE (NCT OF DLEHI)

Judgment text excerpt

* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI Reserved on: 30.03.2026 Pronounced on: 18.06.2026 + CRL.A. 473/2002 R.SANTOSH KUMAR .....Appellant Through: Mr. Vineet Dhanda, Amicus Curiae with Ms. Ishika Ahluwalia, Adv. versus STATE (NCT OF DELHI) .....Respondent Through: Mr. Aman Usman, APP for State with Mr. Manvendra Yadav, Advocate with Insp. Sandeep, PS-Delhi Cantt. CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE NAVIN CHAWLA HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE RAVINDER DUDEJA JUDGMENT RAVINDER DUDEJA, J. 1. The present appeal is filed by the appellant against the judgment of conviction dated 06th April, 2002 and the order on sentence dated 30th April, 2002 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, New Delhi [“trial court”], in Sessions Case No. 40/1997, arising out of FIR No. 159/1997 registered under Sections 498-A/302/34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 [“IPC”] at Police Station Delhi Cantt. Brief Facts 2. The prosecution case, in brief, is that on 23rd April, 1997, information was received from Military Police CMP through Havaldar Ram Pal Singh about commission of a suicide at 140/2 Shekhawati Signature Not Verified Signed By:VAISHALICrl. A. 473/2002 Page 1 of 28 PRUTHI Signing Date:18.06.2026 16:17 Line, Delhi Cantt.. The said information was recorded vide DD No. 22A, SI Dinesh Kumar (PW-19) alongwith Ct. Shamsher Singh (PW- 9) proceeded to the spot and found the dead body of Ganga- wife of appellant on the first floor of the house. Crime team was called and photographs were taken. 3. Since the death of Ganga [“deceased”] had occurred within seven years of her marriage, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate [SDM], Vasant Vihar was requested for conducting the inquest proceedings. The parents of deceased were also informed and on instructions of the learned SDM, the body of the deceased was ordered to be