BACHAN SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Since common questions of law and facts are involved in these appeals, i.e. CRA-D-681-DB and CRA-D-760-DB of 2004, therefore, these are taken up together and being disposed of by a common judgment.

(2.) These appeals are instituted against the judgment and order dated 14.07.2004, rendered by learned Additional Sessions Judge (Adhoc), Amritsar, in Sessions Trial No. 166 of 2003. Appellants Bachan Singh, Balbir Singh and Baldev Singh along with co-accused Mohan Singh, Charan Singh, Wazir Singh, Swaran Singh and Kashmir Singh, were charged with and tried for the offences punishable under Sections 302/148/149 IPC and Sections 27 and 29 of the Arms Act.

(3.) Appellant Baldev Singh was convicted and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life and to pay a fine of Rs. 5,000/- and in default of payment of fine to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for a period of six months under Section 302 IPC. Appellants Bachan Singh and Balbir Singh were convicted and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life and to pay a fine of Rs. 5,000/- each and in default of payment of fine to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for a period of six months under Section 302/34 IPC. Appellant Balbir Singh was also convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for one year under Section 27 of the Arms Act. Appellant Baldev Singh was also convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for one year under Section 29 of the Arms Act. All the sentences were ordered to run concurrently. However, co-accused Mohan Singh, Charan Singh, Wazir Singh, Swaran Singh and Kashmir Singh were acquitted of the charges framed against them.