( 1 ) SHRI Jagdeep and Shri Mahinder Kumar claim to have been working as Chowkidars of Block A and C in Subzi Mandi, Azadpur, Delhi, for the last 10 years. Their duties are to keep a watch on the stores of vegetables/fruits etc. , the goods brought to the market for auction. In return, they are given commission ranging between Rs. 10. 00 to Rs. 100. 00 per mensum according to the quantum of the business of the respective traders. In case of any loss of goods on account of theft/pilferage, the petitioners are required to compensate the traders.

( 2 ). It is their case that S/shri Rajinder Kumar, Sri Lal @ Kashmira Lal and his brother Harish are known bad characters of the area. These persons wanted to break the system of chowkidars. They are alleged to have shot dead one Rajinder @ Lala on 10-12-85 in broad day light. Both the petitioners were the eye-witnesses of the occurrence. Mahinder Kumar lodged the F. I. R. No. 999/85 with Police Station Adarsh Nagar, under Section 302 Indian Penal Code. read with Section 27 of the Arms Act. After being released on bail, Harish one of the accused is stated to be absconding and during this period, he is also alleged to have co