Judgment

A.K. Mathur, J.—This Criminal Appeal filed by the State of Punjab is directed against the judgment and order of acquittal dated April 18, 1996 whereby the Division Bench of the Punjab & Haryana High Court has acquitted the respondent-accused Hakam Singh from the charge under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (hereinafter to be referred to as the ‘I.P.C.’) for committing the murder of the deceased Harbans Singh. Learned Sessions Judge, Bhatinda convicted the respondent-Hakam Singh under Section 302 I.P.C. and sentenced him to undergo imprisonment for life and to pay a fine of Rs. 2,000/-. In default of payment of fine the respondent was directed to undergo a further imprisonment for four months. Learned Sessions Judge also convicted the respondent under section 302/34 I.P.C. in respect of the death of Mohinder Singh and sentenced him to undergo imprisonment for life and a fine of Rs. 2000/-, the respondent was also convicted under Section 307/34 I.P.C. for causing injuries to Sadhu Singh and was sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for a period of seven years and to pay a fine of Rs. 2000/-; in default of payment of fine, the respondent was to undergo further rigorou