(1.) Earlier on 01.09.2016 when these appeals were taken up, the learned State counsel has verified the factum of death of Munshi Hembrom and Lobu Pujaher [appellant nos. 2 and 3 respectively in Criminal Appeal (D.B.) No. 210 of 1991 (P)] whereas appellant no. 1 Darbari Murmu is alive and the sole appellant in Criminal Appeal (D.B.) No. 290 of 1991 (P) is also alive. The instant appeal thus stands abated qua Munshi Hembrom and Lobu Pujaher [appellant nos. 2 and 3 respectively in Criminal Appeal (D.B.) No. 210 of 1991 (P)]. It has been also brought to our notice that one Kiran Khaira had also filed separate appeal being Criminal Appeal (DB) No. 248 of 1991 (P), which stood abated vide order dated 07.09.2009 on account of his death. The records of the said appeal was tagged with these appeals.
(2.) Heard learned counsel for the appellants and learned counsel for the State.
(3.) Both the Criminal Appeals have been preferred against the Judgment of conviction and sentence dated 31st Day of May, 1991 passed by the IInd Additional Sessions Judge, Dumka, S.P. in connection with Sessions Case No. 127 of 1983 whereby appellants Chunka Murmu and Darbari Murmu have been held guilty and convicted for the offence under Sections 302/149 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life. Appellant Chunka Murmu has been further held guilty and convicted for the offence under Section 324, 323 and 148 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to R.I. for one year, six months and one year respectively. Appellant Darbari Murmu has been further held guilty for the offence under Section 147 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to undergo R.I. for six months. However, all the sentences so passed have been directed to run concurrently.