JUDGMENT

Syed Shah Mohammed Quadri, J.-These appeals arise out of the common judgment of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh in Criminal Appeal No. 297-DB of 1994 and Criminal Appeal No. 483-DB of 1994 passed on April 30, 1997.

2. The appellant in the first-mentioned appeal was accused No. 1 and the appellants in the second-mentioned appeal were accused Nos. 2 and 3 respectively in Sessions Case No. 22 of 1993. They were charged and tried for offences under Sections 302/34 and 323/34 of the Indian Penal Code for inflicting injuries and for committing murder of one Meher Chand on September 5, 1992 at about 10.15 P.M. Learned Sessions Judge, Ambala, convicted and sentenced them to life imprisonment and fine of Rs. 500/- (in default of payment of fine they have to suffer further imprisonment of two years each) under Section 302/34; they were also convicted and sentenced to one year rigorous imprisonment under Sections 323/34 IPC. The sentences were to run concurrently. On appeal, their conviction and sentences were confirmed by the High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh by the impugned judgment, aforementioned.

3. The gravamen of the charge against them is that w