This is a case of a girl, by name K. Swapna @ Sujatha, ending her life on account of failure of love affair with the 151 appellant (A 1), for which the 151 appellant and his family members were held responsible, by the learned Special Sessions Judge-cum-IV Additional District & Sessions Judge, Chittoorat Tirupati, in Special S.C.No.24 2000, by judgment dated 17.06.2004. Being aggrieved by the same, A1 to A3 filed Criminal Appeal NO.1 058 of 2004 and A5 to A8 filed Criminal Appeal NO.1 059 of 2004.

2. As these two appeals arise out of the same judgment, they are disposed of by this common judgment. For the sake of convenience, parties hereafter referred to as per their status in the trial Court.

3. The case of the prosecution, as culled out during the course of evidence, is as follows. K. Swapna @ Sujatha (hereinafter called "the deceased") is the daughter of K. Jayallakshmamma (P.W.1) and D. Muraliswamy(P.W.2). Shewas in love with A 1 and they moved together for three years.

Though initially A 1 agreed for the marriage, thereafter he refused to marry her. When P .Ws.1 and 2 asked A 1 to marry the deceased, A 1 refused stating that she belongs to 'Madiga' caste. He also abused