SETHU BASKARAN @ NAGU; MUTHAMMAL Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) There are two appellants in this appeal. They are accused Nos.1 & 2 in S.C.No.98 of 2007 on the file of the learned Principal Sessions Judge, Ramanathapuram. They stood charged for the offences under Sections 302 r/w 34 IPC. By judgment dated 28.03.2008, the trial Court convicted them under Section 302 r/w 34 IPC and sentenced them to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life and to pay a fine of Rs.1,000/-, in default to undergo rigorous imprisonment for one year. Challenging the said conviction and sentence, the appellants are before this Court with this appeal.

(2.) The case of the prosecution in brief is as follows;

(3.) During the pendency of this appeal, the second appellant passed away and thus, this appeal stands abated so far as it relates to the second appellant/second accused is concerned. For the first appellant/A1, the learned counsel, who was on record, withdrew his appearance and therefore, we appointed Mr.R.Murugappan, as Legal Aid Counsel to argue the case of the first appellant. We have heard him and the learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the State. We have also perused the records carefully.