Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 11: 2nd Additional Sessions Judge Jammu, Subash C Gupta today awarded nine years rigorous imprisonment to Balbir Singh, son of Jora Singh of Govindpura Chatha and his wife Rani Kour, who were facing trial in a murder case.
According to the police case, on April 1, 2008, one Rajesh Kumar alias Shashi, son of Raj Kumar of Gobindpura was set ablaze by Balbir Singh and Rani Kour at their residence when the former went there to collect the money which he had given to Rani Kour.
During the course of investigation, the offences under Sections 302/34 and 201 RPC were found proved against both the accused. Accordingly, challan was presented in the court of law.
After hearing Additional Public Prosecutor K A Qazi for the State whereas Advocate Prince Khanna appearing for the accused persons, 2nd Additional Sessions Judge, Jammu, Subash C Gupta observed, “the social and legal obligations are clearly enjoined upon the court to impose adequate punishment according to law while taking into consideration not only the crime but also the criminal”.
“The deterrence and reformation are primarily social goals. The accused have faced trial in the instant case for more than four years. They must have faced the trauma and agony of the protracted litigation”, the Court said, adding “huge money would have been spent by them for undergoing the trial in the instant case. They might have repented for the crime, they have committed”.
“Reformation of a criminal should be the primary goal of administration of criminal justice. In view of this, ends of justice would be meted out in case each of the accused is sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for nine years for commission of offence”, the Court said. Accordingly, they were sentenced. In default of payment of fine defaulter will further undergo rigorous imprisonment for six months.