D.M. Dharmadhkari, J.

1. The order passed in this petition shall also govern the disposal of following Misc. Petitions which were heard together :-

(1) M. P. No. 2320 of 1987 (Hav. Kashmir Singh 3362069 and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors.)

(2) M. P. No. 170 of 1990 (3369816 Hav. Harisingh and Anr. v. Union of India and Ors.)

(3) M. P. No. 171 of 1990 (3368252 Sep. Balwinder Singh v. Union of India and Ors.)

(4) M. P. No. 172 of 1990 (3363144 Nk. Baldev Singh and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors.)

(5) M.P. No. 173 of 1990 (No. 3370117 Nk. Kuldeep Singh and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors.).

2. We have taken up the present petition for decision first because the points common in all the above petitions were argued by the learned counsel for the petitioners on the basis of contentions and grounds raised in this petition.

3. The petition is filed challenging conviction and sentences of the petitioners in Court Martial proceedings for alleged offences said to have been committed by them Under Sections 37(c), 38(1) and 63 of the Army Act, 1950 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act').

4. In the Sikh Regiment Centre at Ramgarh on 10-6-1984 soldiers waged a mutiny and looted the arms in battalion k