JUDGMENT

L. NAGESWARA RAO, J.

The Sessions Court, Thrissur convicted A1 to A4, A14, A15, and A18 under Section 302 read with 149 Indian Penal Code, 1860 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘IPC’) and sentenced them to imprisonment for life. They were also convicted for offences under Section 143, 147, 148, 341, 342 and 324/149 IPC. A5 to A13, A16 and A17 were acquitted. A1 to A4, A14, A15 and A18 who were convicted, filed an Appeal before the High Court of Kerala. The State of Kerala and the complainant (father of the deceased) also filed appeals against the order of acquittal of A5 to A13, A16 and A17. By way of abundant caution the complainant also filed a Criminal Revision challenging the acquittal of the said accused. The judgment of the Trial Court acquitting A5 to A13, A16 and A17 was confirmed by the High Court. A1 was convicted under Section 302 and sentenced to imprisonment for life. A2 and A4 were convicted under Section 324/149 IPC and were sentenced to imprisonment of 1 year. A3, A14, A15 and A18 were acquitted. A1 filed an appeal before this Court which abated as he died. The complainant filed an appeal against the acquittal of A2 to A4, A14, A15 and A18. He also filed an