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REPORTABLE IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 696 OF 2009 Mangat Ram Versus State ! Har"ana .. Resp n#ent .. Appellant

JUDGMENT

K. S. Radhakr !h"a"# J. $. T%e appellant Mangat Ram& a mem'er ! SC

( mmun)t"& marr)e# t%e #e(ease# Seema& a mem'er ! t%e Aggar*al ( mmun)t" a!ter t%e marr)age& n $+.,.$--+ at Am'ala. Fe* m nt%s n $..-.$--+& a(( r#)ng )l t t%e n t%e

pr se(ut) n& t%e appellant spr)n/le# /er sene ' #" ! t%e #e(ease# an# set %er

n !)re& %a0)ng !a)le# t

meet t%e # *r" #eman#.

On %ear)ng t%e %ue an# (r"& / %er t t%e C)0)l H sp)tal& t%e Me#)(al C llege n $,.-.$--+. T%e

ne)g%' urs assem'le# an# t

1 %ana an#& later& s%e *as s%)!te# t an# H sp)tal& R %ta/& *%ere s%e #)e#

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appellant& al ng *)t% %)s parents an# s)ster& *ere (%arge2 s%eete# ! r t%e an# +5326 IPC. 7. T%e pr se(ut) n& )n P9s $ t r#er t , an# 'r)ng % me t%e als pr #u(e# !!en(es& 0ar) us . *ere !!en(es pun)s%a'le un#er Se(t) ns 3-42A

e8am)ne# # (uments.

On t%e s)#e

! #e!en(e& D9s $ t

e8am)ne# an# t%e a((use# appellant g t %)msel! e8am)ne# as D9:. A!ter t%e e0)#en(e *as (l se#& t%e a((use# *as ! t%e C #e ! Cr)m)nal

;uest) ne# un#er Se(t) n +$+ Pr (e#ure <Cr.P.C.=& *%

#en)e# all t%e )n(r)m)nat)ng T%e tr)al C urt& a!ter

statements ma#e aga)nst %)m. appre()at)ng t%e

ral an# # (umentar" e0)#en(e& (ame t

t%e ( n(lus) n t%at an !!en(e un#er Se(t) n 3-42A IPC *as ma#e ut aga)nst t%e appellant& 'ut n t aga)nst t%e t%er

t%ree a((use# pers ns. T%e tr)al C urt als !!en(e un#er Se(t) n +5326 IPC *as ma#e

! un# t%at n ut aga)nst t%e

a((use# pers ns& )n(lu#)ng t%e appellant. H *e0er& )t *as %el# t%at an !!en(e un#er Se(t) n +5: IPC *as ma#e ut

aga)nst t%e appellant& t% ug% n t%at se(t) n.

(%arge *as !rame# un#er

A!ter % l#)ng t%e appellant gu)lt"& t%e tr)al

C urt ( n0)(te# t%e appellant un#er Se(t) n 3-42A IPC an#

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senten(e# %)m t an# t un#erg un#erg )mpr)s nment ! r t%ree "ears !urt%er T%e

pa" a !)ne

! Rs.$&555>2& )n #e!ault& t

r)g r us )mpr)s nment <RI= ! r s)8 m nt%s.

appellant *as als senten(e# t "ears an# t

( n0)(te# un#er Se(t) n +5: IPC an# )mpr)s nment ! r a per) # ! Rs.3&555>2& )n #e!ault& t ! se0en !urt%er

un#erg

pa" a !)ne

un#erg RI ! r t* "ears. +. Aggr)e0e# '" t%e ( n0)(t) n an# senten(e a*ar#e# '"

t%e tr)al C urt& t%e appellant pre!erre# Cr)m)nal Appeal N . .-72S6 ! $--,& *%)(% *%en (ame up ! r %ear)ng 'e! re

t%e D)0)s) n 6en(% ! t%e H)g% C urt n +...755,& t%e C urt passe# t%e ! ll *)ng r#er? @Present? Mrs. R)tu PunA& DA1& Har"ana Mrs. Harpreet Baur D%)ll n& A#0 (ate )s app )nte# as Am)(us Cur)ae. Hear# D)sm)sse#& reas ns t ! ll *.C 3. Aggr)e0e# '" t%e sa)# r#er& t%e appellant pre!erre#

SLP <Cr)m)nal= N . ,.,4 )nt

! 755, *%)(% *as later ( n0erte# ! 7554. T%e (r)m)nal appeal

Cr)m)nal Appeal N . $47

(ame up ! r %ear)ng 'e! re t%)s C urt n 7..$.7554 an# t%)s

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C urt #epre(ate# t%e pra(t)(e ! t%e H)g% C urt )n #)sp s)ng ! t%e (r)m)nal appeals *)t% ut re( r#)ng reas ns )n supp rt ! )ts #e()s) n. Pla()ng rel)an(e n t%e Au#gments ! t%)s

C urt )n State of Punjab and others v. Jagdev Singh Talwandi <$-43= $ SCC .-:& State of Punjab and others v. Surinder Kumar and others <$--7= $ SCC 34- an# Zahira Habibulla H. Sheikh and another v. State of Gujarat and others <7553= 3 SCC $.4& t%)s C urt set as)#e t%e Au#gment ! t%e H)g% C urt an# #)re(te# t%e H)g% C urt t %ear t%e appeal n mer)ts. .. T%e H)g% C urt t%en ( ns)#ere# t%e (r)m)nal appeal an# n mer)ts 0)#e )ts Au#gment #ate#

#)sm)sse# t%e same

7,...7554 ( n!)rm)ng t%e ( n0)(t) n an# senten(e a*ar#e# aga)nst t%e a((use# '" t%e tr)al C urt. Aggr)e0e# '" t%e same& t%)s appeal %as 'een pre!erre#. :. Mr. Sat)n#er S. 1ulat)& learne# ( unsel appear)ng ! r / us ela' ratel" t%r ug% t%e a##u(e# '" t%e ral an# an#

t%e appellant& t # (umentar"

e0)#en(e

part)es

su'm)tte# t%at t%e Au#gment ! t%e tr)al C urt as *ell as t%e H)g% C urt )s 'ase# n ( nAun(tures& !ull ! ( ntra#)(t) ns

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an# surm)ses an# t%ere )s n e0)#en(e t su'stant)ate t%e

(%arges le0elle# aga)nst t%e a((use#. Learne# ( unsel su'm)tte# t%at t%ere *as a ( mplete m)srea#)ng ! t%e ral an# # (umentar" e0)#en(e an#& at e0er" stage& t%e C urts 'el * a# pte# )ts 'r ug%t *n strange reas n)ng *%)(% *as n t ! t%e *)tnesses. Learne# ! t%e

ut !r m t%e #ep s)t) n

( unsel p )nte#

ut t%at& t%r ug% ut t%e Au#gment

tr)al C urt as *ell as t%e H)g% C urt& ne (an n t)(e t%at t%e C urts 'el * *ere preAu#)(e# t entere# )nt pl)g%t t%e a((use# ! r %a0)ng p)ne# t%at t%e

an )nter2(aste marr)age an#

! su(% marr)ages * ul# 'e #)s( ntentment an# ut t%at t%ere )s

un%app)ness. Learne# ( unsel p )nte# su!!)()ent e0)#en(e t

( n(lu#e t%at t%e #e(ease# *as

su!!er)ng !r m Ep)leps" ! r t%e last !e* "ears ! t%e )n()#ent an# t%at #eat% m)g%t %a0e 'een (ause# '" a(()#ent an#& )n an" 0)e*& )t *as n t a % m)()#al #eat%. p )nte# Furt%er& )t *as

ut t%at t%e pr se(ut) n ( ul# n t pr 0e t%at t%e

appellant *as at % me *%en t%e )n()#ent %a# %appene#. Learne# ( unsel als su'm)tte# t%at t%e tr)al C urt %as

( mm)tte# an err r )n alter)ng t%e !!en(e t t%at ! Se(t) n +5: IPC a!ter !)n#)ng t%e a((use# n t gu)lt" un#er Se(t) n

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+5326 IPC. Learne# ! t%e ( unsel p )nte# ut t%at t%e

)ngre#)ents

!!en(e un#er Se(t) n +5326 as *ell as

Se(t) n +5: IPC are ent)rel" #)!!erent an# t%e tr)al C urt %as ( mm)tte# a gra0e err r )n ( n0)(t)ng t%e appellant un#er Se(t) n +5: IPC. Learne# ( unsel als e0)#en(e p )nte# ut t%at

t%ere )s a's lutel" n

! # *r" #eman# an# t%e

( n0)(t) n re( r#e# un#er Se(t) n 3-42A IPC )s als *)t% ut an" mater)al. In supp rt ! %)s 0ar) us ( ntent) ns& learne# ( unsel als ma#e re!eren(e t !e* Au#gments ! t%)s C urt& *%)(% *e *)ll #eal )n t%e latter part ! t%)s Au#gment. ,. 9e #)# n t %a0e t%e a#0antage ! %ear)ng an" ( unsel ! t%e State& e0en t% ug%& t%e %ear)ng *as ! #a"s. Learne# ( unsel appear)ng / us t%r ug% t%e #ep s)t) ns n t%e s)#e ! t%e

n t%e s)#e g )ng

n ! r a ( uple

! r t%e appellant t *)tnesses e8am)ne#

! t%e pr se(ut) n as *ell

as t%e #e!en(e& as als 'e! re t%e C urt. 4.

t%e # (umentar" e0)#en(e pla(e#

9e ma" !)rst e8am)ne *%et%er an

!!en(e un#er

Se(t) n 3-42A IPC %as 'een ma#e ut aga)nst t%e appellant. A#m)tte#l"& t%e marr)age 'et*een t%e appellant an# t%e

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#e(ease# *as an )nter2(aste l 0e marr)age an#& a!ter !e* m nt%s ! t%e marr)age& s%e #)e# ! 'urn )nAur)es n

$,.-.$--+ at %er matr)m n)al % me.

T%e ;uest) n )s

*%et%er )mme#)atel" 'e! re an# #ur)ng t%e per) # 'et*een t%e #ate ! marr)age an# t%e #ate n t%e s)#e ! ! )n()#ent& *as t%ere r#er t t%e !

an" # *r" #eman# esta'l)s% t%e

! t%e a((use#. In Se(t) n 3-42A

)ngre#)ents

IPC&

pr se(ut) n e8am)ne# P93& t%e maternal gran#2!at%er

t%e #e(ease#& *% %a# 'r ug%t up %er n t%e #em)se ! %er parents. On a pla)n rea#)ng ! t%e #ep s)t) n ! P93& )t )s ! %er t%e

(lear t%at %e *as aga)nst t%e )nter2(aste marr)age gran#2#aug%ter *)t% t%e appellant& *% 'el nge# t

S(%e#ule# Caste ( mmun)t"& *%)le t%e #e(ease# 'el nge# t t%e Aggar*al ( mmun)t". P93& )n %)s (r ss2e8am)nat) n& state# t%at %e %a# agree# ! r t%e marr)age s)n(e t%e #e(ease# *as a#amant t marr" t%e appellant. P93 als

state# t%at %e %a# n t part)()pate# )n T)//a (erem n" %el# )n t%e % use ! a((use# appellant. Furt%er& )t *as als t%er mem'er ! t%e

state# t%at %e %a# n t ( nta(te# an" !am)l"

! t%e a((use# 'e! re t%e marr)age.

P93& )n t%e Ma#%u'an

(r ss2e8am)nat) n& state# t%at %e %a# g ne t

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pr) r t t%e marr)age t #)ssua#e t%e appellant !r m

enter)ng )nt su(% a marr)age an#& ! r t%e sa)# purp se& %e met t%e DSP& Ma#%u'an& *% t%en (alle# Mangat Ram& 'ut %e *as a#amant t t%e e0)#en(e marr" Seema. 9e %a0e t appre()ate

! P93 )n t%e l)g%t

! t%e !a(t t%at %e *as t%e

t tall" aga)nst t%e )nter2(aste marr)age 'et*een a((use# an# t%e #e(ease#. P93 als

#ep se# t%at t%e

a((use# pers ns %a# #eman#e# a # *r" ! Rs.$5&555>2 an# a s( t ter an#& t%e n $3.4.$--+& P93 ga0e Rs.$5&555>2 )n (as% an# %a# als pr m)se# ter. state# t%at a!ter t ma/e

a((use#

arrangement ! r t%e pur(%ase ! a s( -. P9.& a #)stant relat)0e

! P93& als

$.275 #a"s

! t%e marr)age& t%e #e(ease# (ame al ng *)t% t%e res)#en(e ! P93 an#& at t%at t)me& t%e t%ers t%at t%e a((use# *as

t%e a((use# t

#e(ease# %a# t l# P93 an#

%arass)ng %er s)n(e s%e %a# n t 'r ug%t # *r". P9. als #ep se# t%at art)(les l)/e ( *ere g)0en t ler& !r)#ge& s !a& # u'le 'e# ! # *r". P9s 3 an# .

t%e a((use# '" *a"

%a# #ep se# t%at a #eman# ! # *r" *as ma#e n t nl" '" t%e a((use# Mangat Ram& 'ut als s)ster. '" %)s parents an#

T%e tr)al C urt re( r#e# a (lear !)n#)ng t%at t%e

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pr se(ut) n %a# !a)le# t t%e parents an# s)ster 'r)ng % me t%e gu)lt as aga)nst

! t%e a((use# un#er Se(t) n 3-4A&

+5326 IPC& *%)(% *as n t ;uest) ne# '" t%e pr se(ut) n. H *e0er& )! t%at part ! t%e e0)#en(e ! P9s 3 an# . ( ul#

n t 'e 'el)e0e# aga)nst t%e rest ! t%e a((use#& t%en *e !a)l t see % * )t ( ul# 'e put aga)nst t%e a((use# al ne&

espe()all" *%en P9s 3 an# . %a# state# t%at t%e #eman# ! r # *r" *as ma#e '" all t%e a((use# e0)#en(e ! P9s 3 an# . %as t n $+.4.$--+. T%e

'e appre()ate# )n t%e l)g%t

! t%e !a(t t%at t%e" *ere aga)nst t%e )nter2(aste marr)age& s)n(e t%e appellant an# t%e 'el nge# #e(ease# t S(%e#ule# t Caste

( mmun)t"

'el nge#

Aggar*al

( mmun)t"& a ! r*ar# ( mmun)t". Allege# # *r" #eman# ! Rs.$5&555>2 an# t%e #eman# ! s( ter& state# t %a0e

'een ma#e '" t%e a((use#& ( ul# n t 'e esta'l)s%e# n t nl" aga)nst t%e t%er t%ree a((use# pers ns& 'ut als

aga)nst t%e appellant as *ell. $5. 9e ma" n * e8am)ne& apart !r m t%e # *r" #eman#& %a# t%e appellant treate# t%e #e(ease# *)t% (ruelt" an# a'ette# t%e #e(ease# )n ( mm)tt)ng su)()#e. alrea#" ! un# 9e %a0e

n !a(ts t%at t%e pr se(ut) n ( ul# n t

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esta'l)s% t%at t%ere *as an" # *r" #eman# !r m t%e s)#e ! t%e appellant. On(e )t )s s ! un#& t%en *e %a0e t e8am)ne *%at *as t%e (ruelt" mete# pr 0 /e %er t en# %er l)!e. ut t t%e #e(ease# s as t

It %as ( me

ut )n e0)#en(e

t%at *%en t%e #e(ease# susta)ne# 'urn )nAur)es& t%e a((use# *as n t at % me. In t%)s ( nne(t) n& *e ma" re!er t para 7. ! t%e tr)al C urt Au#gment& *%)(% rea#s as

! ll *s? @7.. Se( n#l"& Seema #)e# un2natural #eat%. T%e m st (ru()al p )nt *%)(% t%e pr se(ut) n *as ' un# t esta'l)s%& *%et%er Seema *as su'Ae(te# t (ruelt" an# %arassment n a(( unt ! pau()t" ! # *r" r t%ere *as a !res% #eman# ! # *r"& t%ere )s n su(% e0)#en(e n t%e !)le t%at s%e *as su'Ae(te# t (ruelt" an# %arassment. 6)#%) C%an# an# A0)nas% C%an#er ' t% appeare#. T%e" #)# n t state t%at Seema *as su'Ae(te# t (ruelt" an# %arassment ! r pau()t" ! # *r" g)0en at t%e t)me ! marr)age........C DEmp%as)s Suppl)e#E $$. T%e tr)al C urt )tsel! sa"s t%at t%ere *as n e0)#en(e n t%e !)le t%at s%e *as su'Ae(te# t su(% r

(ruelt"

%arassment. 6ut& )n para 7: ! )ts Au#gment& t%e tr)al C urt& a# pte# a strange reas n)ng t % l# t%at t%e a((use# %a#

treate# t%e #e(ease# *)t% (ruelt"& *%)(% )s as ! ll *s?

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@7:. ....... An e#u(ate# g)rl ! 'us)ness ( mmun)t" *as le!t )n a 0)llage l)!e an# )n t%e % use ! a l *er ( mmun)t" pe ple *% se *a" ! l)0)ng& *% se *a" ! tal/)ng& *% se *a" ! 'e%a0) ur )s n t at par *)t% t%e !am)l" mem'ers ! Seema& s)n(e #e(ease#. As su(%& Seema *as !eel)ng perple8e# ag)tate#. S%e e8pe(te# !r m Mangat Ram t%at s%e must 'e /ept *)t% %)m at %)s pla(e ! p st)ng an# n t t 'e le!t )n a 0)llage l)!e )n t%e ( mpan" ! rust)( pers ns an# t%at appeare# t%e (ause ! #)s( ntentment an# un%app)ness. It %as 'een e8per)en(e# t%at su(% marr)age meets )ll !ate& l)/e t%e present ne. Fr m statement ! 6)#%) C%an# an# letters E8.PE an# PF an )n!eren(e (an 'e eas)l" #ra*n t%at Seema *as !ull" un%app" an# #)s2( nten#e# !r m t%e 'e%a0) ur ! Mangat Ram a((use#& s)n(e %e %a# le!t %er )n 0)llage l)!e at t%e mer(" ! %er m t%er2)n2la* J)*n) an# t%at )s *%"& s%e %a# 'een (all)ng %er gran# maternal !at%er t ( me ! r %er res(ue& 'ut 6)#%) C%an#& as e8pla)ne# '" %)m& ( ul# n t rus% t 0)llage 6ar #a 'e(ause %)s s n an# %)s *)!e met *)t% an a(()#ent at C%an#)gar% an# %e *ent t%ere.C DEmp%as)s Suppl)e#E $7. Furt%er& )n para +$& t%e tr)al C urt %as state# t%at t%e ( n#u(t ! Mangat Ram /eep)ng an# lea0)ng Seema )n (aus)ng (ruelt" an#

6ar #a at %)s % me am unte# t %arassment t Seema.

In para +7& t%e tr)al C urt %as als

re( r#e# a 0er" strange reas n)ng& *%)(% )s as ! ll *s? @+7. A((use# *as 0er" sa!el" entere# )nt #e!en(e an# le# #e!en(e e0)#en(e t%at Seema %a# 'een su!!er)ng !r m ep)leps" pr) r t %er marr)age. In (ase& )! t%)s !a(t * ul# %a0e 'een

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)n t%e /n *le#ge ! Mangat Ram& %e * ul# %a0e ne0er s lemn)se# marr)age *)t% Seema. A!ter enA ")ng se8 *)t% %er& %e must %a0e #eserte# t%)s la#"...........C $+. 9e !a)l t see % * t%e C urt (an ( me t t%e

( n(lus) n t%at %a0)ng /n *n t%e #e(ease# *as su!!er)ng !r m Ep)leps"& %e * ul# n t %a0e marr)e# t%e #e(ease#. I! t%e C urtFs reas n)ng )s a((epte#& t%en n ' #" * ul# r

( ul# marr" a pers n %a0)ng Ep)leps". An t%er per0erse reas n)ng ! t%e tr)al C urt *%)(%& a(( r#)ng t t%e tr)al

C urt& le# t t%e a(t ! su)()#e& )s as ! ll *s? @++. ...... S%e %as 'een 'r ug%t up '" %er gran# maternal !at%er 6)#%) C%an# an# %e ( ntra(te# a l 0e marr)age *)t% %er. 6ut )n sp)te ! t%at& %e ;uen(%e# %)s lust ! se8 '" enA ")ng Seema an# t%en le!t %er )n a rust)( l)!e ! 0)llage. Seema& ut ! !rustrat) n an# #)s( ntentment& *ante# t get r)# ! t%at l)!e. 9%en %er maternal gran# !at%er #)# n t rea(% ! r %er res(ue& s%e 'e)ng !ull" %arasse#& spr)n/le# /er sene )l n %er ' #" an# t / %er l)!e. ...............C DEmp%as)s Suppl)e#E $3. T%e un#erl)ne# p rt) n )n#)(ates t%at t%e #e(ease# %a# ( mm)tte# su)()#e ut ! !rustrat) n an#

#)s( ntentment an# #ue t

t%e reas n t%at %er maternal

gran#!at%er #)# n t rea(% ! r %er res(ue. Re!eren(e t !e* letters sent '" t%e #e(ease# t %er maternal gran# !at%er )n

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1$
t%)s respe(t )s app s)te. In %er letter #ate# $4.4.$--+

<Anne8ure P2$,= t P93& t%ere )s a's lutel" n )n#)(at) n ! an" %arassment letter * ul# r # *r" #eman# '" t%e a((use#. T%e

nl" )n#)(ate t%at s%e *as % me2s)(/ an# see %er gran# !at%er& t%e perat)0e

*ante# 0er" mu(% t

p rt) n ! t%e same rea#s as ! ll *s ? @G. 6ut " u s% ul# ( me )t )s 0er" )mp rtant * r/. I! " u *)ll n t ( me n 7.t% r 7:t% t%en I *)ll g)0e m" l)!e. T%ere! re ' t% ! " u s% ul# ( me. E0en )! S mnat% mama *)ll sa" n ! r " u t g t 6ar #a 'ut ' t% ! " u s% ul# ( me& )t )s )mp rtant * r/. I! " u *)ll n t ( me t%en " ur #aug%ter *)ll g)0e %er l)!e. 9%at m re s% ul# I *r)te " u are *)se en ug%. I! t%ere )s an" m)sta/e )n t%e letter t%en ! rg)0e me. I sent a letter t 6an# ) als . T%at #a" *e rea(%e# 6ar #a at + OF(l (/. 6 t% ! us *)s% Namaste t all ! " u. 1)0e l 0e t Ra%ul& Sa%ul. I m)ss all ! " u a l t. Da##"A) a!ter gett)ng m" letter ( me t 6ar #a n 7.t% r 7:t% )mme#)atel"& )t )s )mp rtant * r/. I! " u *)ll n t ( me I *)ll g)0e m" l)!e t%ere! re " u an# mamaA) s% ul# ( me. I am (l s)ng m" letter. I am *r)t)ng aga)n t%at Da##"A) " u s% ul# ( me. It )s 0er" )mp rtant * r/. I! " u *)ll n t ( me n 7.t% r 7:t% t%en n 7,t% " u *)ll get a telep% ne (all ! m" #eat%. G.C $.. Re!eren(e ma" als 'e ma#e t an t%er letter #ate#

$$.-.$--, sent '" %er t P93. In t%at letter als & t%ere *as n ( mpla)nt ! an" %arassment r # *r" #eman#. On t%e

t%er %an#& t%e letter * ul# !urt%er reemp%as)He t%at s%e

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1%
*as % me2s)(/ an# 0er" mu(% *ante# t gran# !at%er& t%e ! ll *s? @G. Da##"A) " u ma" n t ( me ! r a n)g%t 'ut " u s% ul# ( me t meet me ! r an % ur r t* . It )s 0er" )mp rtant * r/. Da##"A) " u /eep n repl")ng t m" letter I !eel 0er" %app". I m)ss Ra%ul& Sa%ul& RaAu& S nu& S%alu an# Ra(%)t& Sapna& Aart) an# all ! " u. I /eep n (r")ng t%e *% le #a" an# *% le n)g%t '" remem'er)ng " u. I *ant t meet all ! " u. NanaA) ( me t 6ar #a t% )mme#)atel" a!ter rea#)ng m" letter n $, r $4t% #ate& )t )s 0er" )mp rtant * r/. I! " u l 0e me t%en " u s% ul# ( me. Da##" )! " u *)ll n t ( me e0en a!ter rea#)ng m" letter t%en I ta/e " ur 0 * t%at I *)ll g)0e m" l)!e. Repl" t t%e letter n gett)ng )t. Fr m m" s)#e an# !r m m" m t%er )n la*Fs s)#e an# !r m MangatFs s)#e *e *)s% Namaste t all ! " u. 1)0e l 0e t (%)l#ren. 9r)ter ! letter " ur #aug%ter. <Seema=C $:. T%e p)(ture t%at emerges !r m t%e ( n#u(t ! t%e perat)0e p rt) n see %er maternal

! t%e letter rea#s as

#e(ease# *as t%at s%e *as 0er" % me2s)(/ at %er matr)m n)al % me an# *as 0er" mu(% atta(%e# t P93 an# %er !r)en#s an# relat)0es at %er % me. T%e a((use# 'e)ng a P l)(e C nsta'le %a# t ser0e at 0ar) us pla(es a*a" !r m

%)s 0)llage an#& t%en ne(essar)l" %e %a# t lea0e %)s *)!e at %)s % me )n t%e (are an# pr te(t) n ! %)s parents. N t

ta/)ng t%e *)!e al ng *)t% %)m& )tsel! *as& % *e0er& ( mmente# up n '" t%e tr)al C urt stat)ng t%at t%e

Page 14

1&
a((use# %a# le!t %)s *)!e& an e#u(ate# g)rl 'el ng)ng t 'us)ness ( mmun)t"& )n a 0)llage an# )n t%e % use l *er ( mmun)t" pe ple& *% se *a" tal/)ng& *% se *a" t%e !am)l" mem'ers a ! a !

! l)!e& *% se *a"

! 'e%a0) ur * ul# n t 'e at par *)t% ! t%e #e(ease#. On t%)s reas n)ng&

t%e tr)al C urt ( n(lu#e# t%at t%e #e(ease# *as !eel)ng perple8e#& ag)tate# an# e8pe(te# t%at t%e a((use# * ul# ta/e %er at %)s pla(e ! p st)ng& rat%er t%an lea0)ng )n a

0)llage )n t%e ( mpan" ! rust)( pers ns *%)(%& a(( r#)ng t t%e C urt& le# t #)s( ntentment an# un%app)ness. $,. 9e !a)l t * ul# ( me un#erstan# % * a Au#)()all" tra)ne# m)n# ut *)t% su(% a reas n)ng an#& at least& *e

e8pe(te# t%at t%e H)g% C urt * ul# %a0e set r)g%t t%at per0erse reas n)ng& 'ut *e are surpr)se# t n te t%at t%e

H)g% C urt a# pte# "et an t%er strange reas n)ng& *%)(% rea#s as ! ll *s? @9%en #e(ease# %a# ( ntra(te# marr)age *)t% t%e appellant2a((use# n %er *n a(( r# aga)nst t%e *)s% ! %er maternal gran#!at%er t%en& #e(ease# *as n t e8pe(te# t ( mm)t su)()#e 'e(ause s%e *as t sta" *)t% t%e appellant2a((use#. On t%e t%er %an#& appellant2a((use# 'e)ng empl "ee %a# n t /ept t%e #e(ease# *)t% %)m at t%e pla(e ! %)s p st)ng. De(ease# *as sta")ng *)t% t%e parents ! t%e appellant2a((use#. S & a(t) ns !

Page 15

16
t%e appellant2a((use# a'ette# t%e #e(ease# t ( mm)t su)()#e.C $4. 9e !a)l t see % * t%e !a)lure ! a marr)e# pers n t t%e pla(e *%ere %e )s (ruelt" lea#)ng t

ta/e %)s *)!e al ng *)t% %)m t * r/)ng

r p ste#& * ul# am unt t

a'etment ! ( mm)tt)ng su)()#e '" t%e *)!e. Ta/)ng *)!e t pla(e ! p st)ng #epen#s up n se0eral !a(t rs& l)/e t%e ! ' t%& a0a)la')l)t" ! a(( mm #at) n an# s

( n0en)en(e man" !a(t rs.

In t%e )nstant (ase& t%e a((use# %a# le!t t%e

*)!e )n t%e matr)m n)al % me )n t%e ( mpan" ! %)s parents an# *e !a)l t see % * t%at a(t) n * ul# am unt t

a'etment t ( mm)t su)()#e. $-. 9e ma" p )nt ut t%at t%e H)g% C urt )tsel! a!ter

pla()ng rel)an(e n t%e letters I E8%. PE an# PF 2 *r)tten '" t%e #e(ease# t %er maternal gran#!at%er& %as n te# t%at

t%ere *as n re!eren(e at all )n t%ese letters ! t%e #eman# ! # *r" '" t%e a((use#& 'ut state# t%at t%e #e(ease# *as un%app" an# upset 0er t%e 'e%a0) ur ! t%e a((use#& 9e %a0e

%a0)ng le!t %er )n t%e ( mpan"

! %)s parents.

g ne t%r ug% t% se letters an#& )n t% se letters& t%ere )s n t%)ng t s% * t%at t%e #e(ease# *as upset '" t%e

Page 16

1'
'e%a0) ur ! t%e a((use#. On t%e t%er %an#& t%e letters

nl" e8p se t%at t%e #e(ease# *as e8tremel" % me s)(/ an# *ante# t%e ( mpan" are surpr)se# t ! %er maternal gran#!at%er. 9e

n te t%at t%e H)g% C urt ! un# !ault *)t% ! %)s

t%e a((use# ! r lea0)ng t%e #e(ease# @at t%e mer(" parentsC.

Aga)n& t%e H)g% C urt ma#e an t%er strange

reas n)ng& *%)(% rea#s as ! ll *s? @Imme#)atel" a!ter marr)age& t* letters *ere *r)tten )n t%e m nt%s ! August an# Septem'er& $--+. Appellant2a((use# 'e)ng empl "ee s% ul# %a0e /ept t%e #e(ease# *)t% %)m. N pru#ent man )s t ( mm)t su)()#e unless a'ette# t # s . A(t) ns ! t%e appellant2a((use# am unts t (ruelt" ( mpell)ng t%e #e(ease# t ( mm)t su)()#e. C n0)(t) n un#er Se(t) n +5: IPC *as r)g%tl" re( r#e# '" t%e tr)al C urt. N ;uest) n ! )nter!eren(e. I! %us'an# )s g)0en a 'ene!)t ! # u't n t%e allegat) n t%at n #)re(t e0)#en(e& n ()r(umstant)al e0)#en(e& *%en t%e marr)age *as )nter2(aste& t%en *%at t"pe ! e0)#en(e #e(ease# r ( mpla)nant *as t ( lle(t. .C DEmp%as)s Suppl)e#E 75. 9e !)n# )t #)!!)(ult t ( mpre%en# t%e reas n)ng ! t%e H)g% C urt t%at @n pru#ent man )s t ( mm)t su)()#e

unless a'ette# t # s .C A * man ma" attempt t ( mm)t su)()#e #ue t 0ar) us reas ns& su(% as& #epress) n& #)sapp )ntment )n l 0e& t)re# !

!)nan()al #)!!)(ult)es&

# mest)( * rr)es& a(ute

r (%r n)( a)lments an# s

n an#

Page 17

1(
nee# n t 'e #ue t C urt t%at n a'etment. T%e reas n)ng ! t%e H)g%

pru#ent man *)ll ( mm)t su)()#e unless

a'ette# t # s '" s me ne else& )s a per0erse reas n)ng. 7$. 9e !a)l t see % * t%e H)g% C urt (an sa" t%at t%e

a((use# 'e)ng a p l)(e man s% ul# %a0e /ept %)s *)!e *)t% %)m at %)s * r/pla(e. Furt%er& t%e H)g% C urt t%en p se# a *r ng ;uest) n t e0)#en(e& n )tsel! stat)ng t%at )! t%ere )s n #)re(t !

()r(umstant)al e0)#en(e& t%en *%at t"pe

e0)#en(e t%e #e(ease# r ( mpla)nant *as t ( lle(t& *%en t%e marr)age )s )nter2(aste& a l g)( *e !a)l t #)gest. 77. 9e are s rr" t state t%at t%e tr)al C urt as *ell as t%e H)g% C urt %a0e n t pr perl" appre()ate# t%e s( pe Se(t) ns 3-42A an# +5: IPC. !

Se(t) n 3-42A IPC& )s

e8tra(te# 'el * ! r an eas" re!eren(e? @%9()A. 9% e0er& 'e)ng t%e %us'an# r t%e relat)0e ! t%e %us'an# ! a * man& su'Ae(ts su(% * man t (ruelt" s%all 'e pun)s%e# *)t% )mpr)s nment ! r a term *%)(% ma" e8ten# t t%ree "ears an# s%all als 'e l)a'le t !)ne. Explanation.- F r t%e purp ses ! t%)s se(t) n& J(ruelt"F means2 <a= an" *)l!ul ( n#u(t *%)(% )s ! su(% a nature as )s l)/el" t #r)0e t%e * man t ( mm)t su)()#e r t (ause gra0e )nAur"

Page 18

19
r #anger t l)!e& l)m' r %ealt% <*%et%er mental r p%"s)(al= ! t%e * manK r <'= %arassment ! t%e * man *%ere su(% %arassment )s *)t% a 0)e* t ( er()ng %er r an" pers n relate# t %er t meet an" unla*!ul #eman# ! r an" pr pert" r 0alua'le se(ur)t" )s n a(( unt ! !a)lure '" %er r an" pers n relate# t %er t meet su(% #eman#.C 7+. E8planat) n t Se(t) n 3-42A g)0es t%e mean)ng !

J(ruelt"F& *%)(% ( ns)sts ! t* (lauses. 3-42A& t%e pr se(ut) n %as t n t%e part

T attra(t Se(t) n

esta'l)s% t%e *)l!ul ( n#u(t ! su(% a 9e

! t%e a((use# an# t%at ( n#u(t )s

nature as )s l)/el" t #r)0e t%e *)!e t ( mm)t su)()#e.

!a)l t see % * t%e !a)lure t ta/e neFs *)!e t %)s pla(e ! p st)ng& * ul# am unt t a *)l!ul ( n#u(t ! su(% a nature *%)(% )s l)/el" t #r)0e a * man t ( mm)t su)()#e. 9e !a)l t see % * a marr)e# * man le!t at t%e parental % me '" a *)l!ul ( n#u(t t

t%e %us'an# * ul# '" )tsel! am unt t !all *)t%)n t%e e8press) n

! J(ruelt"F& espe()all" *%en t%e 'e a*a"

%us'an# )s %a0)ng su(% a A ' ! r *%)(% %e %as t at t%e pla(e ! %)s p st)ng. 9e als !a)l t

see % * a *)!e

le!t )n a 0)llage l)!e @)n t%e ( mpan"

! rust)( pers nsC&

' rr *)ng language use# '" t%e tr)al C urt& * ul# am unt

Page 19

20
t *)l!ul ( n#u(t ! su(% a nature t !all *)t%)n t%e

e8press) n

! J(ruelt"F. In

ur 0)e*& ' t% t%e tr)al C urt as # t%e

*ell as t%e H)g% C urt %a0e ( mpletel" m)sun#erst

s( pe ! Se(t) n 3-42A IPC rea# *)t% )ts e8planat) n an# *e are (learl" ! t%e 0)e* t%at n !!en(e un#er Se(t) n 3-42A

%as 'een ma#e ut aga)nst t%e a((use# appellant. 73. 9e %a0e alrea#" )n#)(ate# t%at t%e tr)al C urt %as ! un# t%at n !!en(e un#er Se(t) n +5326 IPC %as 'een

ma#e ut aga)nst t%e a((use#& 'ut )t ( n0)(te# t%e a((use# un#er Se(t) n +5: IPC& e0en t% ug% n (%arge %a# 'een

!rame# n t%at se(t) n aga)nst t%e a((use#. T%e s( pe an# am')t ! Se(t) n +5: IPC %as n t 'een pr perl" appre()ate# '" t%e C urts 'el *. Se(t) n +5: IPC rea#s as un#er? @$06. I! an" pers n ( mm)ts su)()#e& *% e0er a'ets t%e ( mm)ss) n ! su(% su)()#e& s%all 'e pun)s%e# *)t% )mpr)s nment ! e)t%er #es(r)pt) n ! r a term *%)(% ma" e8ten# t ten "ears& an# s%all als 'e l)a'le t !)ne.C A'etment ! su)()#e )s ( n!)ne# t t%e (ase ! pers ns *% a)# r a'et t%e ( mm)ss) n ! t%e su)()#e. In t%e

matter ! an !!en(e un#er Se(t) n +5: IPC& a'etment must attra(t t%e #e!)n)t) n t%ere ! )n Se(t) n $5, IPC. A'etment )s ( nst)tute# '" )nst)gat)ng a pers n t ( mm)t an !!en(e

Page 20

21
r engag)ng )n a ( nsp)ra(" t a)#)ng a pers n t ( mm)t& a)# r )ntent) nal

( mm)t )t. It * ul# 'e e0)#ent !r m a

pla)n rea#)ng ! Se(t) n +5: rea# *)t% Se(t) n $5, IPC t%at& )n r#er t ma/e ut t%e !!en(e ! a'etment r su)()#e&

ne(essar" pr

! re;u)re# )s t%at t%e (ulpr)t )s e)t%er ( mm)t su)()#e r %as engage# !

)nst)gat)ng t%e 0)(t)m t

%)msel! )n a ( nsp)ra(" *)t%

t%ers ! r t%e ( mm)ss) n

su)()#e& r %as )ntent) nall" a)#e# '" a(t r )llegal m)ss) n )n t%e ( mm)ss) n ! su)()#e. 7.. In t%e )nstant (ase& ! ( urse& t%e *)!e #)e# !e*

m nt%s a!ter t%e marr)age an# t%e presumpt) n un#er Se(t) n $$+A ! t%e E0)#en(e A(t ( ul# 'e ra)se#. Se(t) n

$$+A ! t%e E0)#en(e A(t rea#s as ! ll *s? @11$A. Presumption as to abetment of suicide by a married woman.- *%en t%e ;uest) n )s *%et%er t%e ( mm)ss) n ! su)()#e '" a * man %a# 'een a'ette# '" %er %us'an# r an" relat)0e ! %er %us'an# an# )t )s s% *n t%at s%e %a# ( mm)tte# su)()#e *)t%)n a per) # ! se0en "ears !r m t%e #ate ! %er marr)age an# t%at %er %us'an# r su(% relat)0e ! %er %us'an# an# su'Ae(te# %er t (ruelt"& t%e C urt ma" presume& %a0)ng regar# t all t%e t%er ()r(umstan(es ! t%e (ase& t%at su(% su)()#e %a# 'een a'ette# '" %er %us'an# r '" su(% relat)0e ! %er %us'an#.C

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22
7:. 9e are ! t%e 0)e* t%at t%e mere !a(t t%at )! a marr)e# * man ( mm)ts su)()#e *)t%)n a per) # ! se0en "ears !

%er marr)age& t%e presumpt) n un#er Se(t) n $$+A

! t%e

E0)#en(e A(t * ul# n t aut mat)(all" appl". T%e leg)slat)0e man#ate )s t%at *%ere a * man ( mm)ts su)()#e *)t%)n se0en "ears %us'an# ! %er marr)age an# )t )s s% *n t%at %er ! %er %us'an# %as su'Ae(te# %er

r an" relat)0e

t (ruelt"& t%e presumpt) n as #e!)ne# un#er Se(t) n 3-42A IPC& ma" attra(t& %a0)ng regar# t all t%er ()r(umstan(es

! t%e (ase& t%at su(% su)()#e %as 'een a'ette# '" %er %us'an# r '" su(% relat)0e ! %er %us'an#. T%e term @t%e C urt ma" presume& %a0)ng regar# t ()r(umstan(es a'ette# '" all t%e t%er

! t%e (ase& t%at su(% su)()#e %a# 'een %er %us'an#C * ul# )n#)(ate t%at t%e

presumpt) n )s #)s(ret) nar". S !ar as t%e present (ase )s ( n(erne#& *e %a0e alrea#" )n#)(ate# t%at t%e pr se(ut) n %as n t su((ee#e# )n s% *)ng t%at t%ere *as a # *r" #eman#& n r t%e reas n)ng a# pte# '" t%e C urts 'el * * ul# 'e su!!)()ent en ug% t #ra* a presumpt) n s as t !all un#er Se(t) n $$+A ( nne(t) n& *e ma" re!er t ! t%e E0)#en(e A(t. t%e Au#gment In t%)s

! t%)s C urt )n

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2$
Hans Raj v. State of Har ana <7553= $7 SCC 7.,& *%ere)n t%)s C urt %as e8am)ne# t%e s( pe ! Se(t) n $$+A ! t%e E0)#en(e A(t an# Se(t) ns +5:& $5,& 3-42A et(. an# %el# t%at& unl)/e Se(t) n $$+6 ! t%e E0)#en(e A(t& a perat) n ! la*

statut r" presumpt) n # es n t ar)se '" merel" n t%e pr !

! ()r(umstan(es enumerate# )n T%)s C urt %el# t%at&

Se(t) n $$+A

! t%e E0)#en(e A(t.

un#er Se(t) n $$+A

! t%e E0)#en(e A(t& t%e pr se(ut) n

%as t !)rst esta'l)s% t%at t%e * man ( n(erne# ( mm)tte# su)()#e *)t%)n a per) # ! se0en "ears !r m t%e #ate ! %er (ruelt".

marr)age an# t%at %er %us'an# %as su'Ae(t %er t

E0en t% ug% t% se !a(ts are esta'l)s%e#& t%e C urt )s n t ' un# t presume t%at su)()#e %as 'een a'ette# '" %er t%e

%us'an#. Se(t) n $$+A& t%ere! re& g)0es #)s(ret) n t

C urt t ra)se su(% a presumpt) n %a0)ng regar# t all t%er ()r(umstan(es ! t%e (ase& *%)(% means t%at *%ere t%e

allegat) n )s ! (ruelt"& )t (an ( ns)#er t%e nature ! (ruelt" t *%)(% t%e * man *as su'Ae(te#& %a0)ng regar# t t%e

mean)ng ! t%e * r# J(ruelt"F )n Se(t) n 3-42A IPC. 7,. 9e are ! t%e 0)e* t%at t%e ()r(umstan(es ! t%e (ase p )nte# ut '" t%e pr se(ut) n are t tall" )nsu!!)()ent t

Page 23

2%
% l# t%at t%e a((use# %a# a'ette# %)s *)!e t ( mm)t

su)()#e an# t%e ()r(umstan(es enumerate# un#er Se(t) n $$+A ! t%e E0)#en(e A(t %a0e als n t 'een sat)s!)e#. In

Pinakin !ahi"atra

Rawal v. State of Gujarat <75$+= ! Se(t) n

$5 SCC 34& t%)s C urt %as e8am)ne# t%e s( pe

$$+A ! t%e E0)#en(e A(t& *%ere)n t%)s C urt %as re)terate# t%e legal p s)t) n t%at t%e leg)slat)0e man#ate $$+A ! Se(t) n

! t%e E0)#en(e A(t )s t%at )! a * man ( mm)ts ! %er marr)age an# )t )s s% *n ! %er %us'an# %a#

su)()#e *)t%)n se0en "ears t%at %er %us'an#

r an" relat)0e

su'Ae(te# %er t (ruelt"& as per t%e presumpt) n #e!)ne# )n Se(t) n 3-42A IPC& t%e C urt ma" presume& %a0)ng regar# t all t%er ()r(umstan(es ! t%e (ase& t%at su(% su)()#e r su(% pers n. T%e

%a# 'een a'ette# '" t%e %us'an#

C urt %el# t%at& t% ug% a presumpt) n ( ul# 'e #ra*n& t%e 'ur#en ! pr ! ! s% *)ng t%at su(% an !!en(e %as 'een n

( mm)tte# '" t%e a((use# un#er Se(t) n 3-42A IPC )s t%e pr se(ut) n. T%e C urt %el# t%at t%e 'ur#en )s pr se(ut) n t

n t%e

esta'l)s% t%e !a(t t%at t%e #e(ease#

( mm)tte# su)()#e an# t%e a((use# a'ette# t%e su)()#e. In t%e )nstant (ase& t%ere )s n e0)#en(e t s% * *%et%er )t

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*as an a(()#ental #eat% ( mm)tte# su)()#e. 74. 9e %a0e e0er" reas n t 'el)e0e t%at& )n t%e )nstant r *%et%er t%e #e(ease# %a#

(ase& t%e #eat% *as a(()#ental& ! r t%e ! ll *)ng reas ns. 2 T% ug% n t pr 0e# )n %er #")ng #e(larat) n& )t %as ( me ut )n e0)#en(e t%at t%e #e(ease# *as su!!er)ng !r m Ep)leps" ! r t%e last t%ree "ears ).e. 'e! re $..+.$--+& t%e #ate ! )n()#ent. T%)s !a(t )s ! rt)!)e#

'" t%e e0)#en(e ! Dr. Bul#eep& *% *as e8am)ne# as D9$. He #ep se# t%at t%e #e(ease# *as su!!er)ng

!r m Ep)leps" an# *as un#er %)s treatment !r m 7+.$7.$--7 t C)t". C urt 7.3.$--+ at Bul#eep H sp)tal& Am'ala

H)s e0)#en(e *as 'rus%e# as)#e '" t%e tr)al n t%e gr un# t%at Dr. Bul#eep *as n t a It ma" 'e n te# t%at Ep)leps" )s n t a ! ner0es s"stem !

Ps"(%)atr)st.

Ps"(%)atr)st pr 'lem. It )s a #)sease

an# a MD <Me#)()ne= ( ul# treat t%e pat)ent Ep)leps".

T%e reas n)ng g)0en '" t%e tr)al C urt ! r ! D9$ (ann t 'e ! an a(()#ental

'rus%)ng as)#e t%e e0)#en(e susta)ne#.

T%ere! re& t%e p ss)')l)t"

#eat%& s)n(e s%e *as su!!er)ng !r m Ep)leps"& (ann t

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'e rule# ut. E0)#entl"& s%e *as )n t%e /)t(%en an#& /)ng s%e m)g%t %a0e su!!ere# n t%e gas st 0e

m)g%t 'e& #ur)ng (

Ep)lept)( s"mpt ms an# !ell # *n

an# m)g%t %a0e (aug%t !)re& result)ng %er ult)mate #eat%. 2 D97& ASI Ram M %an& t%e In0est)gat)ng O!!)(er ! t%e

(ase& #ep se# t%at %e %a# re( r#e# t%e statements ! t%e #e(ease# *%ere)n s%e %a# state# t%at s%e *as su!!er)ng !r m Ep)leps" ! r t%e last t%ree "ears 'e! re t%e )n()#ent an# t%at prepar)ng meals an# !ell n $..-.$--+ *%)le s%e *as ! !)ts

n st 0e& s%e %a# an atta(/

n t%e st 0e an# (aug%t !)re.

S%e %a# als

#ep se# at t%at t)me t%at %er %us'an# *as a*a" at #ut" at Ma#%u'an& Barnal. In ! D97 %as t ur 0)e*& t%e e0)#en(e ! 0erall

'e appre()ate# )n t%e l)g%t

!a(ts an# ()r(umstan(es ! t%e (ase. 7-. Ta/)ng )nt ( ns)#erat) n all aspe(ts ! t%e matter& *e are ! t%e 0)e* t%at t%e pr se(ut) n %as n t su((ee#e# )n !!en(e un#er Se(t) n 3-42A an# Se(t) n

esta'l)s%)ng t%e

+5: IPC aga)nst t%e appellant. C nse;uentl"& t%e appeal )s

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all *e# an# t%e ( n0)(t) n an# senten(e a*ar#e# '" t%e tr)al C urt an# ( n!)rme# '" t%e H)g% C urt& are set as)#e.

GGGGGGGGGGJ. <B. S. Ra#%a/r)s%nan=

GGGGGGGGGGJ. <V)/ramaA)t Sen= Ne* Del%)& Mar(% 7,& 75$3.

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