SOM LAL Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE four petitioners namely Som Lal, Yash Pal, Hans Raj and Jagiri Lal were brought to trial before the Judicial Magistrate Ist Class, Pathankot, for the offences under Sections 324/323/34, Indian Penal Code and having been found guilty thereunder, each of them was sentenced to various terms of imprisonment and fine. On appeal, the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Gurdaspur, by a lucid and elaborate judgment upheld their convictions but reduced the sentences of Yash Pal Hans Raj and Som Lal as detailed in para No. 16 of the judgment with the direction that the substantive sentences so awarded to them shall run concurrently. Jagiri Lal petitioner being 19/20 years of age, was given the benefit under the Probation of Offenders Act and was directed to be released on probation for a period of one year to keep peace and be of good behaviour. The petitioners have now come up in revision.

(2.) THE petitioners have filed an application that they have compounded the offence with Faqir Chand and Surinder Pal, the injured persons. Affidavits of Surinder Pal and Faqir Chand have also been filed and in the affidavits they have stated that they have amicably settled the matter with the petitioners with their free will and without any extraneous pressure.

(3.) THE offences under Sections 324 and 323, Indian Penal Code, are compoundable with the permission of the Court. As it is stated that the parties have amicably settled the matter, it would, in my opinion, be in the fitness of things if permission to comound the offences is granted. I accordingly grant the necessary permission, set aside the conviction and sentence of the petitioners and acquit them. Order accordingly.