JUDGMENT :

Ramesh Sinha, CJ.

1. Heard Mr. Mateen Siddiqui, learned counsel for the appellant. Also heard Mr. Shaleen Singh Baghel, learned Government Advocate, appearing for the State/respondent.

2. Today, though the criminal appeal has been listed for hearing on I.A. No.01, application for suspension of sentence and grant of bail to the appellant, however, with the consent of learned counsel for the parties, the appeal is heard finally.

3. Accordingly, I.A. No.01, application for suspension of sentence and grant of bail to the appellant, stands disposed of.

4. This criminal appeal is filed by the appellants/accused under Section 374(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (for short, ‘Cr.P.C.’) is directed against the impugned judgment of conviction and order of sentence dated 30.03.2024 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Sarangarh, District Sarangarh- Bilaigarh (C.G.) in Sessions Trial No.8 of 2019, whereby the appellant/accused have been convicted for the offence punishable under Sections 302 and 201 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (for short, ‘IPC’) and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life and fine of Rs.2,000/-, in default of payment of fine amount, additional