MIR ALFAZ ALI, J.

1. All these 9 appeals being against the common judgment and order dated 06.10.2004, passed by the learned Special Judge in Spl. Case No. 39/2004 are taken together for hearing and disposal. By the said judgment, the learned Special Judge convicted all the appellants, namely, 1. A.J Tayeng 2. H. Kanjamba, 3. H Jogeswar Singh, 4. R. K. Ranjit Singh, 5. Lalit Kumar Singh, 6. Arun Sukhlani, 7. Katu Ram Choudhry, 8. Om Prakash Singh, 9. Iswar Singh Bagga, (hereinafter referred to as A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, A-6, A-7, A-8 & A-9 respectively) under Section 120(B) IPC and sentenced them to rigorous imprisonment for 6 months and fine of Rs. 5000/- with default stipulation. The appellants A-1 to A-5 were also convicted under Section 5(2) R/W Section 5(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act (P.C. Act), 1947 and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for one year and fine of Rs. 5000/-. The substantive sentences of imprisonment were directed to run concurrently in respect of all the 9 appellants.

2. As per prosecution case, the Government of India, Ministry of Shipping and Transport vide gazette notification dated 19.12.1977 authorized each of the State Governments an