District and Sessions Judge Kewal Krishna Garg pronounced the judgment to Nirmal Singh for the murder of his wife Malkiat Kaur under Section 302 of the IPC. The couple’s son Ajit Pal Singh (23), meanwhile, was acquitted of all charges.

On November 16, 2006, Nirmal and his son had surrendered to the police, claiming they had murdered Malkiat a night before. Nirmal had told the police that Malkiat called him impotent and a worthless man on the night of the murder, after which, they decided to kiil her.

Police later recovered her body was from the kitchen. There were multiple stab wounds on her face, throat and limbs. Besides, deep wounds were also found on the rear side of her head. The lower part of the body was wrapped in a bedsheet and her legs were tied. As disputes and quarrels were routine in the family, none of the family’s neighbours came for Malkiat’s rescue, the police found during interrogation. The deceased would often abuse her husband in full public view, the neighbours had told the police.

While announcing the verdict, the court ruled: “Nirmal has taken the life of his wife. Considering the totality of the circumstances, he is sentenced to imprisonment for life and a fine of Rs 5,000.”