JANARTHANAM, J.

In respect of an occurrence that took place at 7 a.m. on 6-9-1984 at Alagianambiapuram, which lies within the jurisdiction of Panagudi police station, leading to the murders of one Uchimahali (deceased 1) and another Panchavarnam (Deceased 2), the wheels of investigation proceeded on the basis of Exhibit P. 1 complaint given by P.W. 1, registered as a case of suspicious deaths in Crime No. 296/84 and ultimately, a final report under S. 173(2), Crl. P.C. had been filed by P.W. 12, the Inspector of Police, Valliyur, before the Judicial Second Class Magistrate, Nanguneri on 10-6-1985 for alleged offences under Ss. 147, 149 and 302, IPC as against accused 1 to 18

2. The final report so filed had been taken on file as P.R. Case No. 20 of 1985 as against accused 1 to 18 and all copies of documents, on the appearance of the accused, had been given to them under S. 207, Crl. P.C. Thereafter, on 17-7-1985, it transpired that one of the accused, namely, accused 56, was aged 17 years and consequently, the case against the said accused was split up. The case, as against the rest of the accused, namely, accused 1 to 5 and 7 to 18 had been committed to Court of Session,