( 1 ) CRL. A. No. 760 of 1996 is filed by A-1 and A-2 whereas Crl. A. No. 776 of 1996 is filed by A3 to A-6 against the judgment in S. C. No. 387 of 1993 on the file of the Assistant Sessions Judge, Siddipet, Medak District whereunder A-1 to A. 6 were convicted for the offence under Section 412 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of ten years each and further A-1 is sentenced to pay a fine of Rs. 5000-00 in default to undergo simple imprisonment for 11/2 years whereas A-2 to A-6 are further sentenced to pay a fine of Rs. 1000-00 each in default to undergo simple imprisonment for 21/2 years each. Further, A-1 is convicted for the offence under Section 25 (1) of the ARMS ACT, 1959 and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for four years and to pay a fine of Rs. 5000-00 in default to undergo simple imprisonment for 11/2 years and the substantive sentences of imprisonment imposed against A-1 are directed to run concurrently. Assailing the said judgment, the above two Criminal Appeals (Crl. A. No. 760 of 1996 and Crl. A. No. 776 of 1996) are filed by A-1 and 2 and A-3 to A-6 respectively.

( 2 ) THE brief facts that are