Heard Sri Ajit Kumar Singh, learned counsel for the revisionists and the learned A. G. A.

2. The revisionists, Ram Nandan and Ram Chandra stood sureties in a criminal case, State v. Rajesh and others under Sec tions 498-Aand 304-B, I. P. C. and under Sec tions 3/4 Dowery Prohibition Act, P. S. Nandganj, district Ghazipur, for accused Rajesh. Rajesh did not appear on the date fixed. Therefore, notices were issued to the sureties. In the mean-time father of accused Rajesh moved an application before the Magistrate concerned apprehending mur der of accused Rajesh and praying for direc tion to the police to conduct enquiry. Another application under Section 156 (3), Cr. P. C. was moved by father of. j -. cused Rajesh on which learned C. J. M. passed an order directing the police concerned to register and investigate the case. The sureties sought time for production of the accused but ultimately they did not produce the accused. Therefore, by an order dated 5-11-96 the learned Magistrate forfeited the surety bonds and directed the sureties (the revisionists) to deposit the amount of the bond within fifteen days failing which, he directed that the recovery proceedings may