P.S. KAILASAM, J.

(1) THIS special leave petition is filed by Bachan Singh, son of Saudagar Singh, from jail against the conviction and sentence imposed on him by the High court of Punjab and Haryana. This court ordered notice to the State and heard the counsel for the petitioner and the State and granted special leave.

(2) THE appellant was tried by the Sessions Judge, Ferozepur, on 3 charges of causing the death of 3 persons Desa Singh the son and Duga Bai and Veeran Bai daughters of Hukam Singh and causing grievous injuries to Vidya Bai, another daughter of Hukam Singh, at about 12 midnight between July 4 and 5, 1977,977, in the courtyard of the house of Hukam Singh. The learned Judge found the appellant guilty of the three charges under S. 302, Indian Penal Code and sentenced him to death on each count. He also found him guilty under S. 326, IPC, for causing grievous hurt with a sharp cutting weapon to Vidya Bai and sentenced him to three years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 500.00. Against the convictions and sentences passed the appellant preferred Criminal Appeal 234 of 1978 to the High court. The appeal along with the Reference 3 of 1978 made by the