(1.) Delay in filing the special leave petition is condoned.
(2.) Leave granted.
(3.) This appeal has been preferred by the State of M.P. against the judgment and order dated 16-7-2003 of Justice N. S. Azad of M.P. High Court in Crl. Appeal No.2244 of 1997. The appeal is confined as against accused Badri @ Bhuru.