ORDER :- Accused 1 to 3, 5 and 6 are petitioners. Accused 1 and 2 were convicted by the Additional First Class Magistrate (II), Madurai, for an offence under S. 224 IPC and each of them was sentenced to R.I. for one year. Accused 3, 5 and 6 were convicted under Ss. 147 and 225 IPC and each of them was sentenced to RI for one year under each count, the sentences to run concurrently. On appeal the Sessions Judge of Madurai set aside the conviction and sentence of accused 3, 5 and 6 under S. 147 IPC and confirmed the conviction and sentences of accused 1 and 2 under S. 224 IPC and of accused 3, 5 and 6 under S. 225 IPC.

2. In connection with a prohibition raid, accused 1 and 2 were arrested, handcuffed and taken by the police. Two other Koravars also were handcuffed and taken by the police. While those persons were being taken to the police station, on the way accused 3 to 6 and some others came in a body and demanded the release of accused 1 and 2 and the other two Koravars. The police refused to release them. Thereupon the police party was stoned by accused 3 to 6 and others and accused 1 and 2 were forcibly taken away. But their attempt to take away the other two Koravars f