1. The reference R.T. No. 1/96 and C.A. 128/96 arise from the conviction and sentences imposed by the learned Sessions Judge, Kanyakumari at Nagercoil in S.C. No. 89/91 for the offences under S.418, S.302, S.302 read with 149 and S.3 of the Explosive Substances Act .

2. The learned Sessions Judge, convicted the appellants viz. the appellants 1 to 5 each under S.148, I.P.C. and sentenced to undergo RI for two years, and to pay a fine of Rs.5,000/- in default to undergo RI for 6 months, appellants 3 to 5 each under S.302 (2 counts) I.P.C. and sentenced to undergo life imprisonment and also to pay a fine of Rs.10,000/- in default to undergo RI for 18 months on each count 2nd appellant under S.302, IPC, and sentenced to death and also to pay a fine of Rs.15,000/- in default to undergo 18 months RI subject to the confirmation of the High Court, appellants 1 and 2 each under S.3 of the Explosive Substances Act and sentenced to undergo 6 months RI and to pay a fine of Rs.10,000/- in default to undergo 3 months RI, 1st appellant under S.302 read with 149 (3 counts) IPC, and sentenced to imprisonment for life and to pay a fine of Rs.10,000/- in default to undergo RI for 18 months, for eac