1. The appellant stood trial in sessions case No.2/1998 on the charge that on 24.08.1997, fifteen minutes past midnight he had committed the murder of Rafiq by intentionally causing stab injuries. By judgment dated 05.11.1998 he was held guilty and convicted, as charged, primarily on the basis of eye-witness account of Munna (PW-
1) and Mohd. Mumtaj (PW-2). By order dated 09.11.1998, the learned trial court sentenced him to imprisonment for life with fine of ₹500/-, in default further rigorous imprisonment for two months. He challenges the said judgment and order on sentence through the appeal at hand.
2. On 24.08.1997 at 01:55 hours Rafiq son of Chhote Khan (the victim), aged 32 years, resident of House no.79, G-Block, New Seelampur, Delhi was brought to the casualty of Swami Dayanand Hospital, Shahdara ("the hospital") by a neighbour Mohd. Akhtar (PW-