(1.) Heard learned counsel for the parties.
(2.) The trial court convicted fifteen accused persons, including the five appellants of Criminal Appeal No. 801 of 2005 under Sections 302/149 of the Indian Penal Code (for short "IPC") and sentenced them to undergo imprisonment for life and to pay fine of Rs 5000 each. They were further convicted under Ss. 307/149 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of five years and to pay a fine of Rs. 1000.00 each, in default, to undergo further imprisonment for a period of one month. The accused persons were then convicted under Ss. 324 and 148 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of two years and one year respectively. The sentences were, however, ordered to run concurrently.
(3.) On appeal being preferred, the High Court acquitted other ten accused persons whereas upheld convictions of the appellants of Criminal Appeal No. 801 of 2005. Hence, Criminal Appeal No. 801 of 2005 has been filed by special leave by the convicted accused persons. The State of Haryana has filed Criminal Appeal No. 674 of 2005 against the order of acquittal rendered by the High Court in relation to nine persons whereas no appeal has been preferred against the order of acquittal of Krishan-II (Accused 6).