JASBIR SINGH Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal is directed against the judgment dated 02.4.1997 passed by learned Addl. Sessions Judge, Kurukshetra, whereby he convicted the appellants under Sections 348 read with Section 34 IPC and Section 374 read with Section 34 of IPC and vide order of the same date, they were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for a period of two years and fine of Rs. 2000/- each for the offence under Section 348 of IPC. In default of payment of fine, they were to further sentenced to undergo R.I. for a period of six months and under Section 374 IPC, they were sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of six months. Both the sentences were, however, ordered to run concurrently.

(2.) AT the outset, learned counsel for the appellants contends that he does not want to challenge the conviction of the appellants on merit and confines his arguments only on the point of quantum of sentence.

(3.) LEARNED counsel further submits that this case was registered against the appellants on 03.6.1993. Since then, 16 years have passed and during this period, they have faced mental agony of protracted trial and also the sword of conviction has been persistently hanging over their heads. It is also submitted that a lenient view may be taken against the appellants qua sentence as they are agriculturists by profession.