CHARA HESSA ETC Vs. STATE OF BIHAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By Court. Heard the learned counsel for the appellants and Mrs. Arnita Sinha, learned APP for the State.

(2.) Since all these appeals arise out of the common judgment dated 20/04/1999. they were heard together.

(3.) All these appeals have been preferred against the judgment of conviction and sentence dated 20th April, 1999 passed by learned 1st Additional Sessions Judge, Chaibasa in connection with Sessions Trial No.257 of 1997 whereby the appellants have been held guilty and convicted for the offence punishable under Sections 364/149 and 302/149, IPC and sentenced to undergo R.I. for life imprisonment for each of the offences. They have also been convicted for the offence punishable under Section 201 of the IPC and sentenced to undergo R.I. for 7 years. The appellants, namely, Bijoy Sumbrui, Turi Sumbrui and Chera Hessa have been convicted for the offence punishable under Section 148 of the IPC and sentenced to undergo R.I. for two years each and the remaining 27 appellants have been convicted for the offence punishable under Section 147 of the IPC and sentenced to undergo R.I. for one year. One of the appellant Hajura Sumbrui has further been held guilty for the offence punishable under Section 354 of the IPC and accordingly sentenced to undergo R.I. for two years. Besides the substantive punishment convict Damu Sundi has been ordered to pay fine of Rs.7000/- and in default of making payment of fine further imprisonment for three years have been imposed upon him whereas remaining 29 convicts have been directed to make payment of fine of Rs.2000/- each and in default of payment of fine further imprisonment for two years. The sentences so passed against convicts/appellants have been directed to run concurrently. It is necessary to mention that appellant Turam Gope, Narsingh Sundi and Roro Purty have died during pendency of this appeal.