(Ms. JUSTICE SONIA GOKANI)

1. All these appeals arise from the judgment and order of the learned Additional Sessions Judge, 3rd Fast Track Court, Bharuch rendered in Sessions Case No. 148 of 2003 on 26th August 2004, whereby, the original accused nos. 1 to 3 [hereinafter to be referred to “A1 to A3”] have been convicted under sections 392 and 394 read with section 114 of the Indian Penal Code [“IPC” for short] and sentenced to serve rigorous imprisonment for a period of four years and pay fine of Rs. 2,000/= each; and in default of payment of fine, to undergo further imprisonment for a period of six months. Although, all these accused have been given benefit of doubt and have been acquitted of the offences punishable under sections 397 and 120B IPC. Whereas, accused no. 4 has been given benefit of doubt of all the offences viz., sections 392, 394 read with Section 114, 397 & 120B IPC and sub-section (1) of Section 135 of the Bombay Police Act.

2. Aggrieved accused have preferred Criminal Appeal under section 374 CrPC challenging the judgment and order of conviction passed by the Court where Criminal Appeals No. 1435 of 2004; 1661 of 2004 and 1713 of 2004 are respectively pr