The present Criminal Appeals are directed against the conviction and sentence passed in S.C.No.262 of 2015, by the learned Principal Sessions Judge, Thoothukudi, dated 11.01.2016, holding that the appellants/accused A1 to A35 are guilty for the offences under Section 25(1-A) of the Arms Act, 1959 and sentenced them to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment for five years each and to pay a fine of Rs.1000/- each, in default, Rigorous Imprisonment for six months each; to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment for one year each and to pay a fine of Rs.1000/- in default, Rigorous Imprisonment for three months each, for the offence under Section 25(1-B) of The Arms Act, 1959 and to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment for one year each and to pay a fine of Rs.1000/- each, in default, Rigorous Imprisonment for three months each, for the offence under Section 25(1-B)(f) of the Arms Act.

2. The brief facts, which leading to filing the present appeals, are as follows:-

On 11.10.2013, the Indian Coast Guard received an information that a vessel named ''M.V. Seaman Guard Ohio'' with arms, ammunition and guards stationed at Latitude 080 52.0' North and Longitude 0780 26.7' East on 12.10.2013 at 03.30 hours and