M. PALPANDI AND OTHERS Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal challenges the judgment of the II Additional Sessions Division, Madurai, whereby the appellants 9 in number, stood charged, tried and found guilty as detailed hereunder:

(2.) NECESSARY facts for the disposal of this appeal can be stated thus:

(3.) THE case was committed to Court of Session, and necessary charges were framed. In order to substantiate the charges, the prosecution marched 25 witnesses and also relied on 46 exhibits and 24 material objects. On completion of the evidence on the side of the prosecution, the accused were questioned under Section 313 of Cr.P.C. as to the incriminating circumstances found in the evidence of the prosecution witnesses, which they flatly denied as false. On the side of the defence, though not a witness was examined, two documents were marked as Exs.D1 and D2. On completion of the evidence on both sides, the Court below heard the arguments advanced, took the view that the prosecution has proved the case beyond reasonable doubt in respect of the charges mentioned above against A -1 to A -9, and awarded punishment which is the subject matter of challenge before this Court.