SURAT ALIAS Vs. STATE OF JHARKHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We have already heard Mr. H.K. Shikarwar, learned counsel for the appellant and Mr. Saket Kumar, learned A.P.P. appearing for the State.

(2.) It is pertinent to mention at the very outset that during the pendency of this appeal, appellant No.2 Gulab Deo Mehta died and his case have been abated vide order dtd. 17/11/2025. This appeal is heard on behalf of above named sole appellant.

(3.) Instant criminal appeal is directed against the judgment of conviction dtd. 21/8/2002 and order of sentence dtd. 22/8/2002 passed by learned Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court No.-III, Hazaribagh in S.T. No.270 of 1995/F.T.C. III 204 of 2002, whereby and whereunder the appellants have been held guilty for the offence under Sec. 302 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life. The appellants have been acquitted from the charges under Sec. 148, 323 and 34 of the I.P.C. The other co-accused persons, jointly tried with the appellants, namely Raj Kumar Mehta, Ram Chandra Mehta and Ram Prakash Mehta have been acquitted extending the benefit of doubt.