JUDGMENT

S. Ratnavel Pandian, J. - This criminal appeal is directed against the judgment of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, rendered in Criminal Appeal No 544 of 1987 partly allowing the appeal by setting aside the convictions of respondents Nos. 2 to 4 (accused Nos. 1 to 3) under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code and the sentence of imprisonment for life and the sentence of one year rigorous imprisonment respectively but retaining the conviction of the respondents Nos. 2 to 4 under Section 201 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code and the sentence of three years rigorous imprisonment as against respondents m Nos. 2 and 3 (accused 1 and 2) but reducing the m sentence of imprisonment inflicted on respondent No 4 (A-3) to the period already undergone and in lied of the unserved portion of the sentence imposing a fine of Rs. 1000/- in default to suffer rigorous imprisonment for three months.

2. The relevant facts of the case giving rise to this appeal are necessary to be re-capitulated for the disposal of this appeal.

3. Before the Trial Court, there were four accused namely respondents Nos. 2 to 4 and one Ma