AVDESH Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We notice that the counsel nominated by the Legal Services Authority for appellant Vidhya Lal has not been appearing in the instant matter which has remained on Board for the last four days to await representation from his counsel, we had requested Ms.Padma Priya, Advocate to assist us for appellant Vidhya Lal. We formally appoint her as Amicus Curiae for appellant Vidhya Lal and fix her fee at Rs.5,000/-. Noting that Mr.Sumeet Verma was appointed Amicus Curiae vide order dated 18.7.2003 in Crl.Appeal No.513/2001 and his fee has not been fixed at yet, we fix his fee at Rs.5,000/-.

(2.) Vide impugned judgment and order dated 30.1.2001, the appellants have been convicted for the offence of having entered into a conspiracy to kidnap for ransom Master Ashish as also for the offence of having kidnapped for ransom Master Ashish and demanded ransom for his release. For both offences, sentence imposed upon the appellants is to undergo imprisonment for life and to pay a fine in sum of Rs.15,000/- each (for each offence); in default of payment of fine, to undergo imprisonment for a period of two years.

(3.) Co-accused Choukat and Ramesh Pandey have been acquitted.