Partly allowed

Haribhau Satwaji Jogdand and Others. v. State of Maharashtra.

Bombay HC13 Mar 2012APEAL/152/1995

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

High Court set aside Sessions Court conviction for attempt to murder (307 IPC) and grievous hurt (325 IPC). Despite unlawful assembly involvement, lack of evidence proving intention to kill prevented 307 conviction. Conviction restructured under s. 324 r/w. 149 IPC. Appellants granted probation under s. 4 Probation of Offenders Act due to compromise.

What did the court decide?

Conviction for s. 307 and 325 IPC set aside; convicted for s. 324 r/w. 149 IPC and granted probation under s. 4 Probation of Offenders Act with bond execution.

Haribhau Satwaji Jogdand and Others. Vs State of… — Cheating and Forgery | Bombay HC (2012)

¶1

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶2

¶3

IN THE HIGH COURT AT BOMBAY APPELLATE SIDE, BENCH AT AURANGABAD

¶4

CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 152 OF 1995

¶5

1.	Haribhau s/o. Satwaji Jogdand, Age 40 yrs., Occu. Labourer, R/o. Dhobighat, Ambajogai, Dist. Beed.
2.	Yuvraj s/o. Narayan Waghchoure, Age 28 yrs., Occu. Labourer, R/o. Dhobighat, Ambajogai, Dist. Beed.
3.	Suryakant s/o. Nivratti Bansode, Age 38 yrs., Occu. Agriculturist, R/o. Ambajogai, Dist. Beed.
4.	Vasant s/o. Nivratti Bansode (Abated as per order dt. 21.7.2010)	....Appellants.
	Versus
	The State of Maharashtra	....Respondent

¶6

Mr. Amol Jagatkar, Advocate for appellants. Mr. S.D. Kaldate, A.P.P. for State/respondent.

¶7

CORAM : NARESH H. PATIL & T. V. NALAWADE, JJ.

¶8

RESERVED ON : 23rd February, 2012. PRONOUNCED ON : 13th March, 2012.

¶9

JUDGMENT : [PER T. V. NALAWADE, J.]

¶10

The appeal is filed against the judgment and order of Sessions Case No. 36/1992, which was pending in the Court of

¶11

¶12

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶13

Additional Sessions Judge, Ambejogai, District Beed. By the decision dated 18.4.1995, the Trial Court has convicted and sentenced the appellants for offences punishable under sections 307, 325, 323 and 34 of Indian Penal Code ("I.P.C."for short). In all 21 accused persons were charge-sheeted for the aforesaid offences and also for the offences punishable under sections 147, 148 and 149 of I.P.C. During pendency of the appeal, appellant No. 4 Vasant died and the appeal filed by him is treated as abated. Both the sides are heard. The State has filed appeal against the acquittal of the persons of opposite side given in counter case and that appeal bearing Criminal Appeal No. 247/1995 is also being decided today.

¶14

It is the case of prosecution that there are two political rival groups of political party, Republican Parity of India (for short "R.P.I.") in Ambajogai, District Beed. One group is supporting 'Gavai' and this is called as 'Gavai group' and other group supports 'Prakash Ambedkar' and it is called as 'Ambedkar group'. Most of the workers of these two fractions live in Dhobighat area of Ambajogai. The incident took place on 22.3.1992 at about 9.30 p.m. near Samaj Mandir situated at Dhobighat. Some boys of the party of Ambedkar group were practicing Lazim near the Samaj Mandir as they wanted to give

¶15

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶16

¶17

performance on the occasion of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti on 14.4.1992. Accused Sambhaji Jogdand is of Gavai group and he came there to prevent the boys from practicing Lazim. One boy was using instrument Halgi (drum), which is generally used at the time of playing with Lazim. Sambhaji held drum of this boy to stop the practice. In the meantime, other accused persons of Gavai group, came to the spot with the weapon like axes, knives, iron rods and sticks. Some accused were holding stones. The accused then started assaulting the boys, who were playing Lazim and also other persons of Ambedkar group. When the incident was going on lights went off. Somebody informed about the incident to Ambejogai Police Station and police came to the spot. The persons, who were involved in the incident, ran away. But some persons were lying in the injured condition on the spot, when police arrived to the spot. Prosecution witnesses Bhagwan Sarawade and Sunil Bade sustained stab injuries to their abdomen. Prosecution witness Bhimrao also sustained injuries. Bhimrao was assaulted by Vasant, accused No. 4, who is now dead.

¶18

For some time, there was political rivalry between aforesaid two fractions and the incident took place due to this rivalry. One Vishnu Waghchoure was also injured in the incident

¶19

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶20

¶21

and his wife Mandakini gave report about the incident to the police Station. The crime at Cr. No. 142/92 came to be registered in the police station on the basis of this report. Police Officer Naik made the investigation of the case. Other group also gave report in respect of the same incident against the prosecution witnesses and others and on the basis of that report, the crime at Cr. No. 143/92 was registered initially for similar offences. Nivrutti of other group died after few days and that offence came to be converted to one punishable under section 302 of I.P.C. Investigation of this case was also made by Police Officer Naik and he filed charge-sheet against other group also. Both the counter cases were heard and they were decided simultaneously. The accused from crime at Cr. No. 143/92 are acquitted. The said decision is challenged by the State and this Court is deciding the said appeal also today.

¶22

In the present case, the prosecution has not examined Mandakini, the lady, who gave report. In the statement given under section 313 of Criminal Procedure Code ("Cr.P.C." for short), accused Sambhaji and others have contended that the boys of Ambedkar group were creating noise by practicing Lazim and that was causing disturbance to the students, who were preparing for exams in the houses situated in the vicinity. The same spot

¶23

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶24

¶25

panchanama was used in both the cases. In the present case, one panch witness on the spot panchanama turned hostile, but the spot panchanama is proved in the evidence of panch witness Deepak (PW 4) and Police Officer Naik (PW 8), as Exh. 81. The spot panchanama shows that incident took place near the Samaj Mandir of Dhobighat and articles like pieces of bricks, pieces of broken glasses, bangles, some sticks etc. were lying and there were also blood stains on the spot. The tenor of the cross examination of the prosecution witnesses shows that the defence did not dispute that some incident took place, but the defence contended that the assault was made by other side. These circumstances need to be kept in mind at the time of appreciation of prosecution evidence. As the appeal is pending only in respect of three accused, the evidence given mainly as against these three accused, needs to be considered. Other evidence also can be considered to ascertain as to whether any unlawful assembly was formed by the person of Gavai group.

¶26

Prabhakar (PW 2) has given evidence that accused Sambhaji first came to the spot and after him appellant Suryakant and deceased appellant Vasant came to the spot. Prabhakar (PW 2) has deposed that both Suryakant and Vasant were holding axes. Prabhakar has deposed that appellant Hari and Yuvraj then

¶27

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶28

¶29

came there and they started assaulting the boys, who were practicing Lazim. He has given evidence that he reached the spot when he noticed that Sambhaji had held Halgi of a boy of his group. Halgi was with Bharat. Prabhakar has given evidence that in the incident Suryakant gave blows of axe to the prosecution witness Bhagwan Sarawade and the blows hit on the thigh and on armpit. Prabhakar has deposed that Bhima, brother of Bhagwan, came there and then Suryakant gave axe blow on hand of Bhima. Prabhakar has given evidence that appellant Yuvraj and deceased Vasant gave blows of knife on the abdomen of Sunil, who is son of Prabhakar. He has given evidence that when he went ahead to save Sunil, deceased accused Vasant gave blow of knife on his abdomen. He has given evidence that appellant Hari gave blow of iron rod on his head and due to this assault, he collapsed on the ground. There cannot be dispute over identification as accused were known to these witnesses. Though there was dark as the lights went off during the incident, from close distance in open space, it is not that difficult to identify the assailants. Prabhakar has given evidence that he was indoor patient due to the injuries for about one month. It needs to be only ascertained as to whether he can be trusted in respect of the aforesaid evidence.

¶30

In the cross examination, Prabhakar (PW 2) has

¶31

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶32

¶33

admitted that around 15 boys were practicing Lazim and when some manhandled Sambhaji, others came there. Sambhaji had come to convince them not to play Lazim there. In the cross examination, Prabhakar has admitted that he had not specifically stated before police that blows of axe given by Suryakant hit on thigh and armpit of witness Bhagwan. However, this omission is only in respect of the part of body where the blow hit to Bhagwan and this omission is not with regard to the assailant, who gave blow to Bhagwan.

¶34

Prabhakar (PW 2) had not specifically stated before police that appellant Suryakant had given a blow of axe on the hand of Bhima. Prabhakar had also not stated before the police that Yuvraj had given a blow of knife on the abdomen of Sunil. He had also not specifically stated before the police that appellant Hari had given a blow of iron rod on his head. These omissions in the previous statement of Prabhakar are duly proved by the defence in the evidence of Police Officers Naik (PW 8). The evidence of Prabhakar as a whole shows that he blamed accused Suryakant and Hari for causing injuries in the incident. Specific evidence is given against them that they were holding weapons like axe, knife and iron rod. No material contradiction is proved in respect of such evidence of Prabhakar. There is specific evidence

¶35

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶36

¶37

against Suryakant. which is not hit by contradiction that he gave blows of axe to Bhagwan.

¶38

Bhima (PW 3) has given evidence that in the incident Suryakant gave a blow of axe on thigh and armpit of his brother Bhagwan. He has given evidence that when he tried to save Bhagwan, Suryakant gave axe blow to him also. Due to that he sustained injury on his right upper arm. He has deposed that another blow given by Suryakant hit his left ring finger. He has given evidence that Hari gave two blows of iron rod to him. He has given evidence against deceased Vasant and appellant Yuvraj that they gave knife blows and blows of axe to Prabhakar (PW 2) and Sunil. It can be said that there is no specific evidence given by Bhima as to who was holding axe and who was holding knife. He has tried to give little bit different version that the accused had given chase and then the assault was made.

¶39

In the cross examination of Bhima (PW 3), it is suggested by defence that Bhima sustained injuries in police Lathi charge. This suggestion is denied. Similar suggestions are denied by Investigating Officer also. Bhima has admitted that one case under section 307 of I.P.C. is pending against him and it is in respect of attack made on one Shinde. He has admitted that he is

¶40

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶41

¶42

accused in counter case, which is in respect of murder of Nivrutti, a man of group of Gavai. In view of other circumstances and the fact that Bhima sustained injury in the accident, not much weight can be given to the background of Bhima, which is brought on record in the cross examination.

¶43

In the statement given to police on 23rd by Bhima (PW 3), he had not specifically stated that accused Suryakant had given axe blows on thigh and armpit of Bhagwan. He had not stated that he had received blow of axe given by Suryakant on left ring finger. He had not specifically stated that Hari had given blow of iron rod on his head. He had not specifically stated that Suryakant had given axe blows on his hand. These omissions in previous statement are proved in the evidence of Police Officer Naik (PW 8). However, the other evidence of this witness regarding active part played by Suryakant by using axe and part played by Yuvraj by using knife, is not hit by any contradiction. Similarly, his evidence that these two accused and deceased had assaulted Bhagwan and Sunil by using weapons like axe and knife, is not hit by any contradiction.

¶44

Sunil (PW 5) has given evidence that in the incident appellant Suryakant and deceased Vasant gave blows of axe to

¶45

¶46

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶47

Bhagwan. He has deposed that Yuvraj was holding knife and Yuvraj stabbed him by the knife on the abdomen. He has deposed that deceased Vasant gave axe blow on his back and Vasant gave knife blow on his abdomen. He has deposed that Yuvraj gave knife blow to Prabhakar (PW 2) on abdomen. He has deposed that accused Haribhau gave blows of iron rod to Prabhakar. He has deposed that appellant Suryakant and deceased Vasant gave blows of axe to Bhima. He has given evidence that he was indoor patient for about two months. His evidence shows that he was present on the spot right from the beginning and he was present for practice of Lazim. The tenor of the cross examination shows that his presence on the spot at the relevant time is not disputed by the defence.

¶48

Sunil (PW 5) has admitted in the cross examination that one case under section 307 of I.P.C. for assaulting one Shinde is filed against him. He has further admitted that notice of externment proceeding was given to him by police prior to the incident. He has admitted that he is one of the accused persons in the counter case filed by the police for offence of murder of Nivrutti. In view of the aforesaid circumstances, which are sufficient to prove the presence of Sunil on the spot, not much weight can be given to the background of Sunil, which is brought

¶49

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶50

¶51

by the defence.

¶52

Before police Sunil (PW 5) had not stated that deceased Vasant had given stab wound on his abdomen. Before police, he had not stated that Yuvraj had given blow of knife to Prabhakar. He had not stated before police that Haribhau had given blow of iron rod on the head of Prahbhakar. He had not stated specifically before police that Suryakant had assaulted Bhimrao with axe. These material omissions are proved by the defence in the evidence of Police Officer Naik (PW 8). However, other evidence of Sunil (PW 5) regarding the involvement of Suryakant, Haribhau and Yuvraj in the incident and use of weapons, is not hit by any contradiction. No contradiction is there in respect of evidence given in respect of Yuvraj that Yuvraj had given knife blow on his abdomen.

¶53

Bhagwan (PW 6) has given evidence that Suryakant gave blows of axe on his right thigh and left armpit. He has given evidence that Suryakant gave one axe blow on right upper arm and on finger of Bhima. He has deposed that Hari gave blow of iron rod on waist of Bhima. He has deposed that appellant Yuvraj and deceased Vasant gave knife blows to Prabhakar. Bhagwan (PW 6) has admitted in the cross examination that he is also

¶54

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶55

¶56

accused in a case filed for offence under section 307 of I.P.C. for assaulting one Shinde. He has admitted that he is also accused in the counter case of murder of Nivrutti. For the reasons discussed in the evidence given by other prosecution witnesses, this Court holds that this background of Bhagwan cannot be given much weight. He also sustained injuries in the incident.

¶57

Bhagwan (PW 6) had not stated before police on 23.3.1992 that blow of axe was given by Suryakanat on his right thigh. However, there is no contradiction in respect of evidence that Suryakant had assaulted him with axe. He had not specifically stated before police that Suryakant assaulted Bhima and Hari also assaulted Bhima. He had not stated before police that deceased Vasant and Yuvraj had assaulted Prabhakar with knife. The evidence however shows that no contradiction is proved in respect of the evidence that in the incident Suryakant, Yuvraj, Hari and deceased Vasant were involved and they used the weapons.

¶58

Dr. Bhalerao (PW 7) has given evidence that on 22.3.1992 he examined all the aforesaid prosecution witnesses. His evidence shows that when he examined Prabhakar (PW 2), he found one penetrating stab would on abdomen. He has described

¶59

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶60

¶61

this injury as grievous in nature and he has stated that such injury can be caused by sharp weapon. Doctor has given evidence that Prabhakar had sustained contused lacerated wounds over right maxilla, right eyebrow, lower pinna of right ear, middle area of right ear, left parietal scalp and lateral portion of right eye. Other injuries are described as simple injuries and doctor has given opinion that such injuries can be caused by hard and blunt object and the penetrating injury can be caused by weapon like knife. Age of injuries is given as within 6 hours. The certificate at Exh. 94, prepared by Dr. Bhalerao (PW 7) is consistent with his oral evidence.

¶62

Dr. Bhalerao (PW 7) has given evidence that there was one penetrating stab injury over abdomen, on the epigastric region of prosecution witness Sunil. He has deposed that the injury was caused by sharp weapon and injury was grievous in nature. He has deposed that there was abdominal haemotoma. He has deposed that the injury was sustained within six hours of the examination. The certificate at Exh. 95 prepared by the Dr. Bhalerao is consistent with his oral evidence.

¶63

Dr. Bhalerao (PW 7) has given evidence that on the person of Bhagwan he found one incised wound on right thigh and

¶64

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶65

¶66

one incised wound on the left upper arm. He has deposed that one abrasion over chest was also found. Doctor has given opinion that incised wounds can be caused by sharp weapon. The injuries were sustained within 24 hours. The injury certificate at Exh. 96 is consistent with his oral evidence.

¶67

Dr. Bhalerao (PW 7) has given evidence that he found C.L.W.s over right arm, left ring finger and upper thigh and on anterior aspect of right eye of prosecution witness Bhima. The injuries are described as simple in nature and it is stated that they can be caused by hard and blunt object. According to Dr. Bhalerao, injuries were sustained within 24 hours. The injury certificate at Exh. 97 is consistent with his oral evidence.

¶68

In the cross examination of Dr. Bhalerao (PW 7), it has brought on record that operations were performed on Prabhakar and Sunil in view of aforesaid injuries. However, in the cross examination, the doctor has admitted that the stab wounds, which were found on the abdomen of Prabhakar and Sunil are possible, if one falls on pointed part of tractor and pointed part may be Mogda. Further cross examination shows that such evidence is hypothetical in nature. The circumstance that Prabhakar sustained other injuries also needs to be kept in mind. In view of nature of

¶69

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶70

¶71

injuries sustained by these witnesses and nature of defence, not much weight can be given to this admission, regarding the opinion given by the doctor in the cross examination.

¶72

The substantive evidence of Dr. Bhalerao (PW 7) and the medical certificates prepared by him show that no injury was sustained to any internal organs either by Prabhakar or Sunil. In the certificates, the period of hospitalization as indoor patient is mentioned, but discharge card in respect of both the patients are not produced. Only in the cross examination, something is brought on record in respect of operations, which were required to be performed, but the reasons for keeping these two persons in Rural Hospital as indoor patient for long period like 22.3.1992 to 9.5.1992 are not brought on the record.

¶73

Prosecution has given evidence on recovery and seizure of weapons like iron rod from the house of appellant Hari. In the evidence of Deepak (PW 4), the panch witness and Investigating Officer Naik (PW 8), the seizure panchanama at Exh. 85 is proved. This weapon was not sent to C.A. Office. Such article is readily available in any house and so, this part of evidence of prosecution cannot be given much weight.

¶74

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶75

¶76

The evidence of Police Officer Naik (PW 8) shows that there are two political rival groups of R.P.I. in Ambejogai like R.P.I. Gavai group and R.P.I. Ambedkar group. It is brought on record that Sambhaji and the appellants belong to Gavai group and prosecution witnesses belong to other group. When police reached the spot, the incident was already over and some injured persons were lying on the spot. The panchanama of spot of offence shows that many articles used in the incident were lying on the spot and there were also blood stains. These circumstances, are sufficient to establish that some incident did take place near Samaj Mandir and many persons were involved in the incident.

¶77

The evidence of aforesaid eye witnesses is consistent with each other on material points. To the evidence of eye witnesses, there is corroboration of medical evidence, the evidence of spot panchanama, the evidence on motive and other circumstances mentioned above. It can be said that there is little exaggeration made by some witnesses and they have tried to give specific evidence against each accused by describing the role played by them in the incident, though such version was not given before the police. This falsehood, exaggeration is easily separable. The evidence on the record is also sufficient to infer

¶78

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶79

¶80

that the lights went off during the incident. It is already observed that the accused were known to the prosecution witnesses and as assault was made on the prosecution witnesses in an open space in the month of March, it can be said that there was an opportunity to the prosecution witnesses to identify the persons involved from the opposite side in the incident even when the lights went off.

¶81

The evidence of aforesaid witnesses show that deceased Vasant and appellant Suryakant came together to the spot with weapons. The substantive evidence is given by Prabhakar (PW 2) only against Vasant, who is now dead. Sunil (PW 5) has blamed both Yuvraj and Vasant for causing injuries with weapon knife on his abdomen. The medical evidence shows that he sustained only one stab injury on abdomen. There is omission in previous statement of Sunil with regard to the evidence given against Vasant that he gave blow of knife. The evidence against Vasant due to this material omission can be ignored. His criminal antecedents are brought on record during cross examination. But, only due to that circumstance, the evidence of Sunil cannot be brushed aside.

¶82

¶83

Dr. Bhalerao (PW 7) has described the stab injuries

¶84

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶85

¶86

sustained by Prabhakar (PW 2) and Sunil (PW 5) as grievous injuries. Grievous hurt is defined in section 320 of I.P.C. in eight parts, as under :-

¶87

" 320. Grievous hurt. --The following kinds of hurt only are designated as "grievous":-

¶88

First.-Emasculation.

¶89

Secondly.-Permanent privation of the sight of either eye.

¶90

Thirdly.-Permanent privation of the hearing of either ear.

¶91

Fourthly.-Privation of any member or joint.

¶92

Fifthly.-Destruction or permanent impairing of the powers of any member or joint.

¶93

Sixthly.-Permanent disfiguration of the head or face.

¶94

Seventhly.-Fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth.

¶95

Eighthly.-Any hurt which endangers life or which causes the sufferer to be during the space of twenty days in severe bodily pain, or unable to follow his ordinary pursuits."

¶96

There is no evidence of causing injuries from first seven categories. Doctor has not uttered a word that these injuries had endangered the life of Prabhakar or Sunil. The stab injuries were found on abdomen. In view of the aforesaid definition, it was necessary to bring on record that there was immediate danger to life due to the injuries. Surprisingly, in M.L.C. itself, doctor has

¶97

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶98

¶99

given the period for which these two persons were kept in Rural Hospital as indoor patient. In absence of discharge card and more specific evidence on the period and the reasons for keeping the patients in the hospital, it is difficult to infer that the patients were unable to follow the ordinary pursuits during the period shown in the M.L.Cs. Thus, there is no sufficient evidence to show that due to the injuries the patients suffered for a period of 20 days or more severe bodily pain or they were unable to follow their ordinary pursuits.

¶100

In the present case, the appellants are convicted for the offence punishable under section 307 r/w. 34 of I.P.C. for attempting to commit the murder of Sunil Bade (PW 5). There was charge in respect of this act. There was also charge for causing grievous hurt to Subhash Waghmare and Lalasaheb Waghmare. The record shows that Subhash Waghmare and Lalasaheb Waghmare are not examined and even doctor Bhalerao has not given evidence in respect of injuries, if any, sustained by Subhash Waghmare and Lalasaheb waghmare. Such a charge was framed and the points in respect of causing injuries to such persons are considered by the Trial Court. Conviction is given for offences punishable under section 325 & 323 r/w. 34 also. There was no charge in respect of injuries caused to Prabhakar, Bhima and

¶101

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶102

¶103

Bhagwan.

¶104

For proving the offence of attempt of murder punishable under section 307 of I.P.C., the prosecution is required to prove two ingredients of this offence viz. (i) an intention or knowledge of committing the murder and (ii) the doing of an act towards it.

¶105

The evidence of prosecution shows that the incident took place in public place where both the sides had right to go. There is evidence to show that there was previous enmity. On that day the incident practicing Lazim became the cause for starting quarrel. The houses of prosecution witnesses and most of the accused are situated in the vicinity of the spot and so, they gathered on the spot in support of their side immediately. This evidence is sufficient to prove that the persons of the side of accused had formed unlawful assembly. However, there is no substantive evidence to show that any of the appellant had intention to finish any of the prosecution witness. No evidence is given to show that anybody from the unlawful assembly was instigating to finish somebody from opposite side. Thus, it is not possible to draw the inference that the object of the assembly was to finish somebody. Inference is easy that the object of the

¶106

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶107

¶108

assembly was to teach lesson to other side by giving them some beating. In view of these circumstances, punishment under section 307 of I.P.C. r/w. either 34 or 149 is not possible.

¶109

Section 149 of I.P.C. reads as under :-

¶110

" 149. Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object. --If an offence is committed by any member of an unlawful assembly in prosecution of the common object of that assembly, or such as the members of that assembly knew to be likely to be committed in prosecution of that object, every person who, at the time of the committing of that offence, is a member of the same assembly, is guilty of that offence. "

¶111

Section 149 of I.P.C. has two parts viz. (i) the offence committed in prosecution of common object must be one which is committed with object to accomplish common object and (ii) if the offence committed is such as members knew was likely to be committed. The discussion already made shows that it is not possible to infer that there was common object to commit murder of anybody. There is no possibility of inference that present appellants knew that such offence was likely to be committed. In the case reported

¶112

as AIR 1979 SC 1019 [State of Haryana Vs. Prabhu & Ors.], the Apex Court has considered similar situation. In that case, there was murder, but the members of unlawful assembly were

¶113

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶114

¶115

convicted for offence punishable under section 325 r/w. 149 of I.P.C. In the present case, though there is material to show that dangerous weapon like knife was used, the aforesaid discrepancies show that there is possibility of exaggeration and some names are specifically taken in the Court to settle the score. Only due to the injuries described by the doctor as stab injuries, the inference is possible that such weapons were used by the unlawful assembly. There is no recovery of such weapons from any of the appellants. Thus, there is no circumstantial check to the oral evidence given against even Yuvraj that he gave blow of knife on the abdomen of Sunil. However, the evidence of the prosecution witnesses is sufficient to prove that the appellants, who are prosecuting the appeal, were the members of unlawful assembly. In the case reported as AIR 1965 SC 202 [Masalti Vs.

¶116

the State of U.P.] and A.I.R. 1980 SC 957 [Bhe Ram Vs. State of Haryana], it is laid down by the Apex Court that if a person was member of an unlawful assembly, it is not necessary to show further that he committed some illegal overt acts in pursuance of the common object of the assembly. In view of this position of law, this Court holds that the evidence is sufficient to prove that the three appellants were members of unlawful assembly and they are responsible for the injury caused to Sunil.

¶117

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶118

¶119

The Trial Court has convicted these appellants by using section 34 of I.P.C. Evidence is given by prosecution that many persons had gathered on the spot from both the sides. There were many spectators also, who had come there to watch the practice of Lazim. The evidence of Bhagwan (PW 6) shows that many persons of opposite side had pelted stones, but he could not identify them. Twenty one persons were charge-sheeted in the present case. It appears that the Trial Court used section 34 of I.P.C. as it was convicting only four persons. The evidence discussed shows that more than five persons from the side of accused were involved in the incident and they had formed unlawful assembly as defined in section 143 of I.P.C. Many persons could not be identified by the prosecution witnesses and they were apart from the persons charge-sheeted. In view of these circumstances, this Court holds that conviction of the appellants is possible by using section 149 of I.P.C. In the case reported as AIR 1953 SC 364 [Dalip Singh & Ors. Vs. The State of Punjab]., the Apex Court has observed that if the judge concludes that five persons were unquestionably present and shared the common object, though the identity of some of the persons was in doubt, the conviction of the rest would be good. Thus, it was not proper to convict the appellants under section 34 of I.P.C.

¶120

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶121

¶122

The question arises as to what offence is proved against the appellant Nos. 1 to 3. The discussion of the evidence shows that the lights went off during the incident. The charge is defective. The evidence shows that many persons from both the sides were involved in the incident. In the previous statement, a particular part played by each accused was not specifically given by the prosecution witnesses. The lady who gave F.I.R. is not examined as a witness by the prosecution. These circumstances have created probability that the appellants did not cause injury to injured described as grievous by doctor, but they were members of unlawful assembly which had object of giving beating to other side to teach lesson. The incident is very old, of 1992 and the appeal came to be filed in the year 1995. In view of these circumstances, this Court holds that it is not desirable to go for correction of the aforesaid errors, not framing charge in respect of injuries caused to Prabhakar and others.

¶123

In view of the probability that lights went off and somebody used sharp weapons, the liability in respect of the offence punishable under section 307 of I.P.C. cannot be inferred. So, this Court holds that the appellants can be convicted and sentenced for offence punishable under section 324 r/w. 149 of

¶124

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶125

¶126

I.P.C. No separate punishment for offence under sections 147 and 148 needs to be given in view of the discussion made above. So the appeal deserves to be allowed to set aside the conviction given for offences punishable under sections 307 and 325 of I.P.C. The appellants need to be convicted and sentenced for offence punishable under section 324 r/w. 149 of I.P.C.

¶127

[ T. V. NALAWADE, J.] [ NARESH H. PATIL, J.]

¶128

Hearing was given to both the sides on the point of sentence. Today itself this Court is deciding the other appeal viz. Criminal Appeal No.247/1995 filed by the State in counter case. In both the proceedings the parties have filed affidavits of some injured persons to show that the parties have compromised the matter out of the Court and from 1992 no untoward incident took place due to the dispute, which was there between the parties at the relevant time. This Court has gone through the affidavits.

¶129

The persons of both the sides were supporters of two fractions of political party R.P.I. and due to the political rivalry, incident in question took place. It is good that they have compromised the matter amicably out of Court. One chance

¶130

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶131

¶132

needs to be given to them to improve the conduct and to lead peaceful life. That will be in the interest of society also. It was submitted for the appellants that benefit of provisions of section 4 of the Probation of Offenders Act, 1960 can be given in view of the nature of dispute. This Court holds that such benefit needs to be given. Hence, the order.

¶133

O R D E R

¶134

(I) The appeal is partly allowed.

¶135

(II) The judgment and order of Trial Court

¶136

convicting the appellants namely (1) Haribhau s/o. Satwaji Jogdand, (2) Yuvraj s/o. Narayan Waghchoure, (3) Suryakant s/o. Nivratti Bansode for the offences under sections 307, 325 r/w. 34 of I.P.C. is set aside.

¶137

(III) The appellants stand acquitted of the offence punishable under sections 307, 325 r/w. 34 of I.P.C. and they are convicted for the offence punishable under section 324 r/w. 149 of I.P.C. But, instead of sentencing the appellants, the benefit of provisions of section 4 of the Probation of Offenders Act, 1960 is given to them. They are to execute bond of Good Behaviour for the period of one year in the amount of Rs. 20,000/- (Rupees twenty thousand), each, without surety and they are to appear and

¶138

Cri. Apeal Nos. 152/95

¶139

¶140

receive the sentence when called upon during such period. During this period, they are not to commit similar offence and they shall maintain peace and observe good behaviour.

¶141

(II) Each appellant is also to pay Rs. 3,000/(Rupees three thousand), in addition to the amount of Rs. 500/- (Rupees five hundred) already deposited as the cost of the proceeding and after depositing the amount, the cost is to be created with Government.

¶142

(III) There is no order of supervision through District Probation Office.

¶143

(IV) The bonds are to be executed within one month and the cost amount is to be deposited during the same period.

¶144

[ T. V. NALAWADE, J.]

¶145

[ NARESH H. PATIL, J.]

¶146

ssc/

Haribhau Satwaji Jogdand and Others. v. State of Maharashtra.

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

Haribhau Satwaji Jogdand and Others. v. State of Maharashtra.

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

What the court decided

A compact analysis

Issues for consideration

Cases cited

Statutes considered

Parties & counsel

Coram

Case details

Similar cases

Faruq Anwar Shah and Ors. Vs the Stae of Maharshtra and Ors.

Yosef Bhanudas Athawale Vs the State of Mah

Jagannath Shidya Patil and Ors. Vs the State of Mah

Sajeda Begum Md. Fasiyoddin Alias Parvez Siddiqui Vs the State of Mah and Ors.

Liladhar Latkan Sapkale Vs the State of Mah

The State of Mah. Vs Madhav and Ors.