( 1 ) 2nd October Dussehra day of 1987 fell on birthday of Mahatama Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri two of the greatest sons of India and advocated doctrine of "ahinsa". Instead of a joyful day, it turned out to be one of nightmares for the family of Tale Ram. An innocent child who had not even celebrated three birthdays was sacrificed so that a barren woman can get a child; an act of abhorrence difficult to conceive. This primitive belief is unthinkable in. the modern jet set twentieth century; but that. is what prosecution alleges happened. The act is to say the least diabolic in its conception and cruel in its execution.

( 2 ) FIVE persons are said to be responsible for the barbaric act and they are appellants in Criminal Appeals and are the respondents in Murder Reference No. 1 of 2000 which has been made to this Court by learned Additional Sessions Judge, Delhi (hereinafter referred to as Trial Judge) who convicted each of the accused for offences punishable under Sections 302, 364, 201 and 120b of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (in short "indian Penal Code") and awarded them death sentence, 7 years rigorous imprisonment, 5 years rigorous imprisonment and life impris