JUDGMENT

Oza, J. - This appeal arises out of the conviction of the appellant alongwith three others by the. Sessions Court of Khamam District dated 1st March, 1976 in Sessions Case No. 8 of 1975 for imprisonment for life, maintained in appeal by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh under Section 302 read with Section 149 I.P.C. Four persons were convicted by the High Court whereas seven persons were acquitted, the special leave petition was filed on behalf of the four convicted persons, but that of appellant only was granted and hence this appeal by the appellant against his conviction.

2. It is an unfortunate incident arising out of the trade union rivalry where a group of persons belonging to one trade union attacked and assaulted the leaders of the rival union and the two of the rival union who were attacked, succumbed to the injuries as a result of this incident. The incident is alleged to be of December 18, 1974 at 6.30 p.m. in a bus.

It is alleged that at about 6.30 p.m. when this bus driven by P.W. 7 reached the stop i.e. 9th incline, P.W. 8 was the conductor of the bus, the two deceased persons, P.Ws. 1 to 6 and 10 and accused 14 and 16 alongwith Ghouse Khan got into the bus. Acc