C.M.Prasad and Dharnidhar Jha JJ.

1. The above noted Death Reference along with three appeals arise out of the Judgment of conviction dated 18th of September, 2008, passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge-cum-Presiding Officer, Fast Track Court No. V, Patna, in Sessions Trial No. 188 of 2007. They have been heard together and are being disposed of by the present common judgment. While holding the appellants guilty of committing offences under Sections 396 and 412 of the Indian Penal Code by the above order of conviction the learned trial Judge heard the appellants on sentence on 19.9.2008 and awarded sentence of death to appellant Shankar Kanu alias Shankar Sao. The sentence of rigorous imprisonment for life was awarded to appellants Anil Uraon, Manohar Kumar and Ashish Kumar Rai for their respective convictions under Section 396 of the Indian Penal Code. They were also directed to pay fine of Rs. 5,000/- each and in default in paying the fine were directed to suffer further R.I. for six months each. The learned Judge did not pass any separate sentence under Section 412 against any of the above noted appellants. As regards appellant Ram Chandra Mahto, he had been c