JUDGMENT

J.B. Pardiwala, J.

1. As both the appeals arise from a selfsame judgment and order of conviction dated 31st December, 2007 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court No. 3, Jamnagar, in Sessions Case No. 73 of 2005, those were heard analogously and are being disposed of by this common judgment and order. The Criminal Appeal No. 977 of 2008 is at the instance of two convict accused, viz. Vinodgar @ Rameshgar Jivangar Goswami Bavaji and Sohan @ Sunil Teja Mohan Pargi, whereas the Criminal Appeal No. 978 of 2008 is at the instance of a convict accused viz. Arvind @ Vinod Bhagvanji Patel.

2. Both the appeals are directed against an order of conviction and sentence dated 31st December, 2007 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court No. 3, Jamnagar, in Sessions Case No. 73 of 2005, by which the learned Additional Sessions Judge found the appellants guilty of the offence punishable under Sec. 302 read with Sec. 114 of the Indian Penal Code and consequently sentenced them to suffer life imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 1,000/- each. In default of payment of fine, the appellants were directed to undergo further simple imprisonment for one y