JUDGMENT

K. Ramaswamy, J. - Special leave to appeals granted.

2. Heard the learned counsel, Sri Raju Ramachandran amicus curiae for the appellants and Sri V. Krishnamurthy, the learned Standing Counsel for the State. The appellants Sevaka Perumal and Isakkimuthu for short A-1 and A-2 in Appeal arising out of S.L.P. (Crl.) No. 1842/ 90 are accused in Sessions Case No. 283 of 1986 on the file of the Addl. Sessions Judge, Tirunelveli Sessions Divison and appellant in Criminal Appeal No. 594 of 1989 and R.T. Nel. 4 of 1989 by judgment dated June 14, 19QO of the High Court of Madras. Criminal Appeal arise out of S.L.P. (Cd.) No. 1841/90; Sessions Case No. 284 of 1986 of the same Sessions Division and Criminal Appeal No. 593 and R.T. No. 5 of 1989 dated June 14, 1990 of the Madras High Court respectively, A-1 is the appellant. In each case the Sessions Court convicted them under ss. 120B, 354, 392 read with s.397; s.302. read with s.34; I.P.C. and sentenced to death. In Crl. Appeal No. 594 of 1989, and R.T. No.4 of 1989, the High Court confirmed the conviction and sentence of death of both the appellants; In Crl. Appeal No. 593 of 1989 and R.T. No.3 of 1989, the High Court confirmed the