1. This Criminal Appeal arises out of the judgment of conviction and sentence dated 20.02.2008 made in C.C.No.7 of 2001 on the file of the learned Additional District and Sessions Judge/Special Judge, City Civil Court, Chennai whereby the appellant/accused is convicted and sentenced as follows:

Sections	Sentences
7 of P.C.Act	Two years R.I, Fine of Rs.5000/- in default Three months S.I.
13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of P.C. Act	Two years R.I, Fine of Rs.5000/- in default Six months S.I.
The Sentences imposed on the accused are ordered to run concurrently. Set off was also ordered under Section 428 Cr.P.C

2. The case of the prosecution based on the prosecution witnesses is as follows:

(a) P.W.2/Shanmugaraj is running a STD, Xerox, Fax, Digital Colour Lab and Internet business in the name and style of 'Lalitha Telecom Centre' at Door No.11/2, Hotel Imphala Shopping Complex, Gandhi Irwin Road, Egmore, Chennai with ten computers and air-conditioned facilities. On 12.08.2000, at around 1.30 P.M, there was a fire in the electric met