These four appeals have been preferred by the State against the acquittal of the respective accused in C.C. 18 to 21 of 1973, on the file of the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Villupuram. Since the facts in each of the cases are more or less the same and since common questions of law are involved, all the four appeals are disposed of by a common judgment.

2. The facts, in C. As. 332 and 335 of 1974, are some what alike, while the facts in C. As. 333 and 334 of 1974 are similar in character.

3. The land Development Bank in Gingee introduced a scheme for disbursement of loan to agriculturists for the purpose of digging new wells or for the purchase of new oil engines. A ryot wishing to avail the loan facility had to make an application to the Bank and had also to produce a certificate from the village karnam about the extent of the land owned by him and its approximate value. Whenever a loan was sanctioned, the applicant has also to execute a mortgage deed and give property security to the Bank for the loan advanced to him. In the case of loans for digging up of wells the maximum amount fixed was Rs. 3, 000, while in the case of loans for purchasing new oil engines the maximum