Virender Singh, C.J.

The instant Jail Appeal is filed by one Krit Sao (hereinafter to be referred to as ‘accused’) against the judgment of learned Additional Sessions Judge, Palamau, Daltonganj dated 24.07.2002 whereby he has been convicted under Section 302/324 I.P.C. and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life under Section 302 I.P.C. and rigorous imprisonment for 3 years for the offence under Section 324 I.P.C.. Both the sentences, however, have been ordered to run concurrently.

2. It needs to be mentioned here that along with the accused, his two co-accused, namely, Bishwanath Sao, his son and Bimali Devi, his wife had also faced the trial, but they have since been acquitted by the Trial Court. State has questioned the said acquittal by filing Acquittal Appeal No.13 of 2002, which stands dismissed by the Court, confirming their acquittal, vide separate judgment dated 6th February, 2015, whereas the instant appeal was reserved for orders.

3. Accused is stated to be in custody for the last 14 years, as such priority was given to the instant appeal. At present, the accused is nearing 70 years as stated by his counsel at the Bar.

4. Accused is the real brother o