JUDGMENT :

SUDHIR SINGH, J.

Heard learned counsel for the appellants and learned APP for the State.

2. Both these appeals arise out of same judgment of conviction and order of sentence, hence they have been heard together and are being disposed of by this common judgment.

3. The present criminal appeals have been preferred in the year 1996 i.e., around 26 years ago, against the judgment of conviction and order of sentence dated 29.06.1996 passed by the 1st Additional Sessions Judge, Munger in Sessions Case No. 32/1994 (arising out of Lakhisarai P.S. Case No.149/1993, whereby and whereunder the learned Trial Court has convicted both the appellants, namely, Anil Mandal (appellant in Cr. Appeal (DB) No. 321 of 1996) and Mantu Mandal (appellant in Cr. Appeal (DB) No. 342 of 1996) under Sections 302/34 of the Indian Penal Code and further appellant Mantu Mandal has been convicted under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and 27 of the Arms Act. Appellant Anil Mandal is sentenced to undergo R.I. for life for the offence under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and further sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of five years under Section 27 of the Arms Act, whereas appell