JUDGMENT

Sandeep K. Shinde, J. - Appellants have preferred this appeal against the conviction and order of sentence dated 29th January, 1998, passed in the Special Case No.2 of 1995, by the Sessions Judge, Solapur; particulars of which are as under:

(i) Appellants/Accused Nos.1 and 2 have been convicted of the offences punishable under Sections 3(1)(x) and 3(1)(xiv) of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 ('SC & ST Act' for short) and sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for two years and fine of Rs.1,000/- each with default stipulation.

(ii) Appellant/Accused Nos.1 and 2 have been convicted of the offence punishable under Section 3(a) and (b) of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, but no separate sentence has been awarded as they have been convicted and sentenced under the SC & ST Act.

(iii) Appellant-accused no.3 has been convicted of the offence punishable under Section 504 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 ('IPC' for short) and sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for six months and fine of Rs.500/- with default stipulation.

2. Prosecution case in brief is that, complainant and his family members, being members of scheduled caste