JUDGMENT :

(P.B. Suresh Kumar, J.) :

These appeals arise from S.C.No.3 of 2015 on the files of the Special Court for NIA Cases, Ernakulam. Among the appeals, Crl.A.No.292 of 2017 is preferred by the first accused in the case and Crl.A.No.332 of 2017 is preferred by accused 2 to 6 therein. The first accused stands convicted and sentenced for offences punishable under Sections 489B and 489C read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and accused 2 to 6 stand convicted and sentenced for the offence punishable under Section 489C read with Section 34 of IPC.

2. The accused hail from Malda District in West Bengal. The accusation against them as in the final report is that on 17.09.2012, at about 7 p.m., the first accused tendered a counterfeit Indian currency note of Rs.1000/-(the note) at a mobile shop for purchasing a recharge coupon and on examining the said note, the shop owner entertained a doubt as to the genuineness of the note and consequently, he detained the first accused and informed the matter to the police. Upon receiving information, a police party headed by the Sub Inspector of Police, Manjeri reached the shop, verified the note and having found that the note is not