KORANAN Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) ACCUSED 1 to 3, 5 and 6 are petitioners. ACCUSED 1 and 2 were convicted by the Additional First Class Magistrate (II). Madural for an offence under S.224 IPC and each of them , was sentenced to R.I. for one year. ACCUSED 3, 5 and 6 were convicted under S.147 and 225 IPO and each of them was sentenced to RI for one year under each count, the sentences to run concurrently . On appeal the Sessions Judge of Madurai set - aside the conviction and sentence of accused 3, 5 and 6 under S.147 IPC and confirmed the conviction and sentences of accused 1 and 2 under S.224 IPC and of accused 3, 5 and 6 under S.225 IPC.

(2.) IN connection with a prohibition raid, accused 1 and 2 were arrested, handcuffed and taken by the police. Two other Koravars also were handcuffed and taken by the police. While those persons were being taken to the police station, on the way accused 3 to 6 and some others came in a body and demanded the release of accused 1 and a and the other two Koravars. The police refused to release them. Thereupon the police party was stoned by accused 3 to 6 and others and accused 1 and 2 were forcibly taken away. But their attempt to lake away the other two Koravavs failed. There is no doubt that accused 3 to 6 along with others stoned the police officers, caused injuries to them and rescued accused 1 and 2 & also threatened to do harm to the police officers. So far as accused land 2 are concerned, there is no evidence that they themselves voluntarily escaped from the custody of the police. They were forcibly taken away by accused 3 to 6 & others. IN these circumstances, as pointed out by the Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court in a Bench decision consisting of himself and Jaga-nnadha Das J. King Emperor v. Lachhu Kamara, AIR 1950 Orissa 62 (A) it would amount to escape from lawful custody. They observed: 1. "If he was forcibly snatched away from the custody, it cannot be said he intentionally escaped from the custody. The key word in S.224 is "intentionally". This decision will apply so far as accused 1 and 2 are concerned so the conviction and sentence under S.224 IPC in respect of accused 1 and 2 are set aside and they are acquitted.

(3.) THE petition so far as accused 3, 5 and 6 are concerned is dismissed, while in respect of accused 1 and 2 is allowed.