M. Chockalingam, J.

This judgment shall govern the four criminal appeals viz., Crl.A.No.531/2008 filed by A1, Crl.A.No.671/2008 filed by the State, Crl.A.No.567/2008 filed by A2 and Crl.A.No.534/2008 filed by A3 to A8. In all these appeals, challenge is made to the judgement of the learned Additional Sessions Division, Fast Track Court-II, Cuddalore whereby the appellants/A1 to A8 in Crl.A.Nos.531, 567 and 534/2008 along with A9 and A10 stood charged as follows:

1st charge - A1, A2, A3 to A8 under section 120-B r/w 302 IPC.

2nd charge - A1 under section 302 IPC.

3rd charge - A2, A3 to A10 under section 302 r/w 109 IPC.

4th charge - A1, A3 to A8 under section 201 r/w 302 IPC.

On trial, A1 was found guilty under Sections 302 IPC and awarded life imprisonment along with fine of Rs.1,00,000/-, in default, to undergo 5 years rigorous imprisonment and also found guilty under section 201 I.P.C. and awarded punishment to undergo 3 years rigorous imprisonment along with fine of Rs.10,000/- in default to undergo six months rigorous imprisonment. A2 was found guilty under Section 302 r/w 109 IPC and awarded life imprisonment along with fine of Rs.1,00,000/- in default, to undergo 5