MANGAL SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) APPELLANTS , Mangal Singh, Kashmir Singh, Bachan Singh, Hardev Singh, Lakhvinder Singh and Beant Singh were tried along with their co-accused Charan Singh and Mehanga Singh, since deceased, and Gurmej Singh and Kabal Singh, since acquitted, for offences punishable under Section 148/302/452/326/324/323 read with Section 149 of the Indian Penal Code, for having killed Gurdip Singh and injured Balkar Singh, Baldev Singh, Bhajan Singh and Mohinder Singh and vide order of conviction and sentence recorded against them by Shri A. C. Aggarwal, Additional Sessions Judge, Gurdaspur, all the appellants were sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life and to lay a fine of Rs. 1000/- each, and in default thereof to further undergo RI for three months under Section 302 IPC read with Section 149 of the said Code. They were also sentenced to undergo RI for six months under Section 148 IPC as also RI for one year and to pay a fine of Rs. 200/- each and in default thereof to further undergo RI for one month, under Section 449 IPC. They were also sentenced to undergo RI for one year and to pay a fine of Rs. 200/- each and in default thereof, to further undergo RI for one month, under Section 326 read with Section 149 IPC and for six months and three months RI under Sections 324 and 323 read with Section 149 IPC. All the sentences were, however, ordered to run concurrently.

(2.) AS mentioned above, Charan Singh and Mehanga Singh died during the currency of the trial and Gurmej Singh and Kabal Singh were acquitted by giving them the benefit of doubt.

(3.) BEFORE the matter might proceed any further, it may be mentioned here that Hardev Singh is also known as Deba whereas Lakhvinder Singh is alias Lakha. Beant Singh is alias Billa and Kabal Singh is alias Ghara. It may also be mentioned here that six accused, out of ten, are closely related to each other. Sher Singh had four sons, namely, Mehanga Singh, Bachan Singh, Rattan Singh and Gurbax Singh. Mehanga since, deceased and Bachan Singh are accused in this case. Rattan Singh had two sons, namely, Mangal Singh and Lakhwinder Singh. These two sons of Rattan Singh are also accused and Gurbax Singh has two sons, namely, Hardev Singh and Beant Singh, who are also accused. The deceased and injured are also closely related. Sadhu Singh has two sons, namely, Balkar Singh and Bhajan Singh. Balkar Singh and Bhajan Singh are injured in this case. Bhajan Singh had a son-Gurdip Singh, who died in this occurrence. Mohinder Singh was also injured in this occurrence and his son Baldev Singh was also likewise injured. Wife of Sadhu Sigh and wife of Mohinder Singh are sisters. In the manner aforesaid, all the injured and deceased are inter se related.