(1.) After hearing Mr. Raikar, learned Advocate for Respondent - Complainant in Criminal Revision Application (for short "CRA") Nos.373 of 2016, 374 of 2016, 375 of 2016 and 376 of 2016 and Dr. Krishnaiyer, learned APP for the State on 19/11/2024, the following order was passed:-
(2.) By the above order, I appointed Mr. Faiz Merchant, learned Advocate and Counsel practicing at the Bar as Amicus Curiae to assist the Court to answer the following question framed by me in paragraph No.2 of the above order in view of parties persuading me to take on record Consent Terms of compromise arrived between the parties in Revision Proceedings under Sec. 397 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (for short "Cr.P.C.") and consequentially seek setting aside of the conviction and sentence and allow the Applicant to compound the offence:-
(3.) I heard the learned Advocates and learned Amicus Curiae on 29/11/2024 and 9/12/2024 at length. The learned Advocates relied upon several decisions / citations of the Supreme Court and various High Courts in addition to the citations referred to in the order dtd. 19/11/2024 and made their respective submissions. Further citations are continued in seriatim in this judgement in order to avoid reiteration.