R. Subbiah, J.

1. These two appeals are directed against the order dated 08.08.2003 in W.P.No.6769 of 1995, whereby, the learned single Judge directed the State to pay a sum of Rs.3 lakhs as compensation to the 1st appellant in W.A.No.3120 of 2003, who was the writ petitioner (died during the pendency of this appeal) for his illegal detention by the Sub-Inspector of Police, Athirampatnam Police Station.

2. W.A.No.3120 of 2003 is filed by Meeran (writ petitioner) for enhancement of compensation and W.A.No.3961 of 2003 is filed by the State for reduction of compensation. Since both the appeals are filed against one order, they are disposed of by a common judgment. The parties are referred to as they are described in W.A.No.3120 of 2003 to avoid confusion. During the pendency of appeal, the said Meeran died and his legal representatives were brought on record as appellants.

3. It is the case of the appellants that on 211. 1994 at about 7.30 PM, the deceased appellant was taken to Athirampatnam Police Stat6ion pursuant to a complaint lodged by one Tajudeen on the previous day i.e.211. 1994 alleging that the deceased appellant and others waylaid him and decamped with a sum