WATTAN SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These appeals by special leave challenge the judgment of the High Court by which the conviction of the appellants for offence under Section 201 of the Indian Penal Code has been upheld.

(2.) The appellants in Cirminal Appeal No. 151 of 1997 are family members of Baldev Singh. Appellants Nos. 3 and 5 are brothers of Baldev Singh and appellant No. 1 is wife of appellant No. 3 whereas appellant No. 6 is wife of appellant No. 5. Appellant No. 7 is sister of Baldev Singh. Baldev Singh is son of Appellant No. 2 who has since died and, therefore, the appeal in so far as the said appellant is concerned has abetted. The sole appellant, Harjap Singh, in Criminal Appeal No. 227 is family friend of Baldev Singh.

(3.) The case of the prosecution in brief is as under :