Panel Code, 1860–Secs. 304-B & 498-A [Corresponding Secs. 80 & 85 of BNS, 2023]–Conviction–Sustainability–None of the witnesses have supported the prosecution version and most of them were declared hostile–Contradictions in the statements of complainant-father–There was no complaint during the lifetime of deceased nor was any independant witness which could testify the alleged cruelty–Presumption u/s. 113-B cannot be invoked–Conviction u/s. 304-B can not be sustained–Appellants have remained in custody for one and half years and six months respectively–Compromise has also arrived between the parties–Sentence for the offence u/s. 498-A is reduced up to the period of already undergone.
