1. As these five appeals arise out of the same judgment and order, with the consent of learned advocates appearing for the respective parties, they were heard together and are being decided by this common judgment.

2. These appeals arise out of the same judgment and order dated 1.7.2000 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Rajkot, in Sessions Case No.190 of 1998 whereby the present appellantsoriginal accused were convicted and sentenced to undergo SI for seven years with fine of Rs.5,000/- each, in default, to suffer further RI for six months for the offence punishable under section 395 of Indian Penal Code (hereinafter referred to as “IPC” for short). Criminal Appeal No.678 of 2000 has been filed by original accused Nos.2,3,7 and 8, Criminal Appeal No.801 of 2000 has been filed by original accused No.1, Criminal Appeal No.853 of 2000 has been filed by original accused No.4, Criminal Appeal No.859 of 2000 has been filed by original accused No.6 and Criminal Appeal No.918 of 2000 has been filed by original accused No.5.

3. Short facts of the case of the prose