JUDGMENT

Dr. B.S. Chauhan, J.

1. This appeal has been preferred against the impugned judgment and order dated 6.10.2009, passed by the High Court of Tamil Nadu (Madurai Bench) in Criminal Appeal (MD) No.540 of 2008 affirming the judgment and order dated 18.11.2008, passed in Sessions Case No.18 of 2001 by the Addl. District & Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court), Ramanathapuram by which and whereunder the appellants had been convicted under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (hereinafter referred to as ‘IPC’) and awarded life imprisonment and a fine of Rs.2,000/-each, and in default to undergo further RI for six months.

2. The prosecution case is as under:

A. That about 20 years ago, one Vellaimmal (PW.17, blind and deaf), daughter of Paulmelie Thevar, got married to one Arumugam and a daughter was born out of the said wedlock. The said Arumugam deserted his wife Vellaimmal and married another lady which resulted in enmity between the two families. Arumugam assaulted Vellaimmal and her family. As a consequence, Ramasamy, the uncle of Vellaimmal, with whom she had started living after being deserted by her husband allegedly murdered Arumugam, Ramu Thevar and Laxmana Thevar in t