JUDGMENT

FATHIMA BEEVI, J.:— The appellants are Bollavaram Pedda Narsi Reddy (A-1), Bollavaram. Chinna Narsi Reddy (A-2), Kavalakuntla Rama Subba Reddy (A-3), Duddula Venkata Subba Reddy (A-5) and Mala Prakasam (A-6) before this Court. These appellants along with accused No. 4 Duddela Ramana Reddy, were tried for the murder of one Chandrasekhara Reddy on the night of August 15, 1974. The trial Court acquitted all the accused. On appeal by the State, the High Court convicted these appellants under Sections 302 read with 149, I.P.C. and sentenced them to undergo imprisonment for life and also imposed short-term imprisonment for minor offence to run concurrently.

2. Chandrasekhara Reddy, the deceased, and the accused were residents of village Jeereddy Kotharpalli. In 1970, Accused No. 3 was elected as a Sarpanch of the village with active support of the deceased. However, differences arose between them as they supported rival groups in the election in the neighbouring village. 10 days before the incident, the deceased is stated to have openly declared that he would get Accused-3 removed by moving a no-confidence motion. This according to the prosecution is the motive for the crime.

3. O