MANI Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS judgment shall govern these two appeals in C. A. Nos. 634 and 645 of 2004. The first one is brought by A-6, while the second one is brought by A-1 and A-4.

(2.) THESE appeals have arisen from the judgment of the learned Principal Sessions Judge, Erode Division, in S. C. No. 87 of 2002 whereby seven accused stood charged, and one was found absconding. Out of these seven accused, A-2 and A-3 died after the charges were framed. Thus, the charges became abated in their regard, and the trial went on as against A-1, A-4, A-5, A-6 and A-7, out of whom A-1, A-4 and A-6 were found guilty and awarded punishment as detailed below, while A-5 and A-7 were acquitted of all the charges.

(3.) THE short facts necessary for the disposal of these appeals can be stated thus: