B. P. Singh, J. - (1.)In this appeal by special leave, appellants, 9 in number, have impugned the judgment and order of the High Court of Judicature of Andhra Pradesh at Hyderabad dated 13th December, 2000 in Criminal Appeal No. 806 of 1999.
(2.)19 accused persons were put up for trial before the IVth Additional Sessions Judge, Kurnool, who by judgment and order dated 9th April, 1999 found all of them guilty of offences under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code. An appeal was preferred before the High Court by all the 19 convicted persons, out of whom accused Nos. 7 and 11 died during the pendency of the appeal, hence the case as against them stood abated. Of the remaining 17 accused persons, 6 have been acquitted by the High Court. The appellants before us are 9 of the 11 accused persons who have been convicted under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to terms of imprisonment as indicated below. For the sake of convenience they are referred to by reference to their number as accused at the trial. Accused Nos. 2 and 12 have not preferred appeals against their conviction.
(3.)Accused Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12 and 14 have been found guilty of the offence under S. 302 read with S. 34 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to suffer imprisonment for life. Accused Nos. 8, 10 and 16 have been sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment and to pay a fine of Rupees 1,000/- under S. 326 of the Indian Penal Code.