Rajiv Sharma, J.

1. Since common questions of law and facts are involved in the above-titled criminal appeals, hence the same are taken up together and are being adjudicated by this common judgment.

2. These appeals are directed against the judgment and order dated 18.09.2012, rendered by learned Vth Additional Sessions Judge, Haridwar in Session Trial No. 429 of 1998, whereby the appellants-accused, who were charged with and tried for the offences under Section 302 read with Section 149 of IPC were convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life and to pay a fine of Rs. 5,000/- each and in default of payment of fine to under additional imprisonment for a period of six months. They were also convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment punishable under Section 148 of IPC for a period of three years and to pay a fine of Rs. 1,000/- each and in default of payment of fine to undergo additional imprisonment for a period of one month. They were further convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment punishable under Section 147 of IPC for a period of one year and to pay a fine of Rs. 1,000/- each and in default of payment of fine to undergo