RANJHA Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Ranjha and Billu, the two appellants before us, and Kala, son of Ranjha, were prosecuted under Ss. 302/34.324, 324/34 and 323/34 of the IPC in the Court of the Sessions Judge, Ferozepore for committing the murder of Khanu and causing injuries of Mana (PW 3). They were, however, given the benefit of doubt and acquitted. Against their acquittal the State of Punjab preferred an appeal which was allowed by the High Court and all of them were convicted for the offences alleged against them. Following their conviction the High Court sentenced the two appellants to different terms of imprisonment, including like. with a direction that the sentences would run concurrently but dealt with Kala in accordance with S.27 of the East Punjab Children Act as he was a child within the meaning of the said Act on the date of the incident. Aggrieved by their conviction and sentence the appellants have preferred this appeal under S. 379, Cr.P.C.

(2.) The prosecution case as made out at the trial is as under:

(3.) In support of its case the prosecution examined besides other witnesses, Dittu (PW2) and Mana (PW3) who gave an ocular version of the incident. Dr. Berinder pal Singh (PW1) testified that on February 24, 1978 at 12-15p.m he examined Mana and found the following injuries on his person: