JUDGMENT :

(Rongon Mukhopadhyay, J.)

Heard Mr. Chandan Kumar, learned counsel appearing for the appellant in Cr. A (D.B.) No. 246 of 1998 (R), Mr. Dilip Kr. Chakraverty, learned counsel for the appellant in Cr. A (D.B.) No. 231 of 1998 (R) and opposed by Mr. Shiv Shankar Kumar, learned A.P.P. for the State.

2. Since both these appeals arise out of a common judgment they are being disposed of by this common order.

3. These appeals are directed against the judgment and order of conviction and sentence dated 12.08.1998 passed by Shri S.H. Kazmi, learned 3rd Additional Sessions Judge, East Singhbhum, Jamshedpur in Sessions Trial No. 368/1997, whereby and whereunder, the appellants have been convicted for the offences punishable u/s 304-B/34, 498A/34 of the IPC and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act and the appellant in Cr. A (D.B.) No. 246 of 1998 (R) has been sentenced to undergo R.I. for life u/s 304-B/34 of the IPC, while the appellants in Cr. A (D.B.) No. 231 of 1998 (R) have been sentenced to undergo R.I. for eight years each, u/s 304- B/34 of the IPC. No separate sentence has been passed for the conviction u/s 498A/34 of the IPC and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.

4. T