K.N. Keshavanarayana, J.

1. In this appeal filed under Section 378(1) & (3) of Cr.P.C., the State has questioned the legality and correctness of the judgment and order dated 05.11.2004 passed by the Sessions Judge, Mandya, in Criminal Appeal No. 50/2002 allowing the said appeal and acquitting the respondent/accused of the charge levelled against him for offence punishable under Section 304-Aof IPC in reversal of the judgment and order dated 27.06.2002 passed by the Principal Civil Judge (Sr.Dn.) and JMFC, Srirangapatha in C.C. No. 27/1999. The respondent was chargesheeted by Srirangapatna police for the offences punishable under Sections 279, 337 and 304-A of IPC inter alia alleging that at about 4.30 pm on 04.03.1999, the accused, as driver of the bus bearing registration No. KA-09-F-2005 drove the said bus from Bangalore towards Mysore in a rash and negligent manner endangering human life and near Ganangoor Tittu, he dashed against the Ambassador Car bearing registration No. MYD-6305 coming from the opposite direction and caused the death of four inmates of the said car apart from injury to others.

2. The respondent/accused pleaded not guilty for the charges levelled agai