DHANI MAJHI AND 15 ORS. Vs. THE STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE sixteen Appellants have been convicted under Section 401 of the Indian Penal Code by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Bhadrak. Appellant No. 1 has been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for seven years, Appellants 2 to 5 have been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for six years and the remaining Appellants have been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for five years.

(2.) THE defence was one of complete denial of the occurrences and the charge.

(3.) THE Appellants are represented in this Court by two sets of counsel. Mr. Patra appears for some of the Appellants while others are represented through Mr. C. Pani, an Advocate appearing amicus curia. The State is represented by Mr. N.V. Ramdas, special counsel for the appeal.