Rajiv Sharma, J.

Since all these appeals arise out of a common judgment and common questions of law and facts are involved in these appeals, all these were heard together and are being decided by a common judgment.

2. These appeals are instituted against the judgment dated 31.8.2007, rendered by the learned Addl. Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court, Shimla, H.P. in Sessions Trial No. 18-S/7 of 2004, whereby the appellants-accused (hereinafter referred to as the accused), who were charged with and tried for offences punishable under Sections 120-B, 147, 148, 332/149 and 307/149 IPC, have been acquitted under Section 307/149 IPC. However, they were convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of six months each and to pay a fine of Rs. 500 each under Sections 120-B, 147 and 148 IPC and in default of payment of fine to further undergo rigorous imprisonment for two months. They were also convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of one year each and to pay a fine of Rs. 1,000/- each under Section 332/149 IPC and in default of payment of fine to further undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of three months. All the sentences