STATE OF U P Vs. SUNDER SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this appeal by special leave, the State of Uttar Pradesh has impugned the common judgment and order of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Lucknow Bench, Lucknow in Criminal Appeal Nos. 590, 598 and 601 of 1979. The respondents, herein were the appellants in the appeals before the High Court, who had challenged the judgment and order of the VII Addl. Sessions Judge, Hardoi dated 20th July, 1979 convicting the appellants variously under Sections 302/149, 148 IPC, 324/149 IPC. They were sentenced to life imprisonment under Section 302/149 IPC and 2 years rigorous imprisonment both under Sections 148 and 324/149 IPC.

(2.) The appeals preferred by the respondents were allowed by the High Court by its judgment and order dated 31st July, 1995.

(3.) These appeals arise out of an occurrence which took place on 29-1-1978 at 9.00 A.M. in village Amrita, just outside the house of PW-1 the informant. In the occurrence, the respondents herein and some others are said to have attacked the deceased Hira Singh, armed with fire arms and lathis, as a result of which the aforesaid Hira Singh succumbed to his injuries. The prosecution relied upon the testimony of the 4 witnesses as eye witnesses, namely, PWs. 1, 2, 8 and 9. The High Court has found these witnesses to be unreliable for the reasons recorded by it.