JUDGMENT

THAKKAR, J.:— Villupuram in Tamil Nadu was the scene of an occurrence which culminated in the killing of 9 Harijans and shocked the conscience of the country. In connection with this occurrence which took place ten years back on July 25, 1978, 36 non Harijans were prosecuted. Five of them namely A-6, A-8, A-16, A-31 and A-35 were acquitted by the learned Sessions Judge. The remaining 31 were convicted for various offences under section 302 read with section 34, and/ or section 302 read with section 149, section 302 simpliciter and other sections of Indian Penal Code. Accused No. 1, Accused No. 11 and Accused No. 19 were sentenced to death by the learned Sessions Judge. The remaining accused were sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life. The convicts appealed to the High Court. There was also a reference for the confirmation of the death sentence in regard to A- 1 A- 11 and A- 19. The High Court disposed of both these matters by an exhaustive and well considered judgment giving rise to the present appeal.

2. The High Court confirmed the death sentence imposed on A-1, A-11 and A-19. The High Court confirmed the sentence of imprisonment for life imposed on 16 of the convicts