M.S. KRISHNA REDDY Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Leave granted.

(2.) The accused appellant has been convicted under Section 344 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 ("IPC" for short) as well as under the provisions of Section 3 read with Section 14 of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 and Section 16 and 17 of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. He has been sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for two years for the offence under Section 344 IPC; simple imprisonment for one year under Section 3 read with Section 14 of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 and rigorous imprisonment for two years for each of the offences under Sections 16 and 17 of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. The learned trial Court had directed that the sentences should run consecutively. The High Court has confirmed the conviction and the sentences and also directed that the sentences of imprisonment are to run consecutively. Aggrieved, this appeal has been filed.

(3.) In view of the limited notice issued by this Court the only question that would be required to be considered by the Court is whether the sentences imposed on the accused appellant are to run concurrently or consecutively.