JUDGMENT

B.N. Agrawal, J.-The appellants along with accused Laxman Singh were tried and by judgment rendered by the trial court accused Laxman Singh, though acquitted of the charge under Section 27 of the Arms Act, was convicted under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (hereinafter referred to as "I.P.C.") whereas four appellants were convicted under Sections 302/149 I.P.C. and all sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life and to pay a fine of Rs. 500/- each, in default, rigorous imprisonment for a period of one month. Accused Laxman Singh was further convicted under Section 307 I.P.C. and the appellants under Sections 307/149 I.P.C. and each one of them sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of five years and to pay a fine of Rs. 500/- each, in default, rigorous imprisonment for a period of one month. They were also convicted under Sections 148 and 323/149 I.P.C. and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of one year and three months respectively. All the sentences, however, were ordered to run concurrently. On appeal being preferred, the High Court of Punjab and Haryana confirmed the convictions whereupon two special leave petitions were filed