The State has filed this appeal under Section 378(2) and (3) of Cr.P.C., challenging the acquittal of respondents/ accused Nos.1, 2, 3, 5 to 11, 18, 26, 31, 32 and 33 in S.C.Nos.643 of 2003, 352 of 2004 and 353 of 2004, dated 14.9.2010, on the file of the Special Judge, 35th Addl. City Civil and Sessions Judge at Bangalore.

2. The facts leading to the appeals are as follows:

3. Accused No.1 - (Abdul Kareem Telgi) was arrested in Crime No.545 of 2000 of Upparpet Police Station, Bengaluru city for the offences punishable under Sections-255 to 266, 461, 463, 468, 471, 475, 420 read with Section-120B of Indian Penal Code, on the accusation that he was involved in large scale manufacture, sale and circulation of fake stamps and stamp papers. He was lodged in Central Prison, Parappana Agrahara, Bengaluru as UTP No.4148.

4. The case of the prosecution is that despite being in judicial custody, accused No.1 – Abdul Kareem Telgi, continued his illegal activities of sale and circulation of fake stamps in different parts of the country like Delhi, Chandigarh, Chennai, Tiruchi and Hyderabad by entering into criminal conspiracy with his associates either contacting them in person in the