IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION

CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 1675 OF 2008 [Arising out of SLP(Crl) No.5493 of 2007]

BHAGMAL & ANR. .......APPELLANT(S)  

Versus

STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH .....RESPONDENT(S)

O R D E R

Leave granted.  Heard counsel on both sides.

2. Eleven accused including the appellants herein (who were accused No.6 and

11) were prosecuted for offences under Section 302/149, 324/149 and 323 IPC. The trial

Court convicted and sentenced them to life imprisonment.   All the accused filed an

appeal before the High Court.  When the appeal was listed for hearing on 6.6.2006, none

appeared  for  the  appellants-accused.   The  High  Court  heard  the  learned  Deputy

Advocate General appearing for the State and disposed of the appeal by confirming the

conviction and sentence of the appellants (accused No.6 and 11) under Section 302 IPC,

and conviction of accused No.3 under Section 323 IPC.  It acquitted the other accused.

Feeling aggrieved, accused No. 6 and 11 have filed this appeal by special leave.

3. None appeared for any of the accused at the time of hearing   before   the

High  Court. In the circumstances, the   

......2.

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appellants' conviction has been affirmed without an opportunity to put forth their case

in the  appeal.   The High  Court   ought   to   have given an opportunity or made

arrangement for their representation.

4. In view of the above, the judgment of the High Court is set aside insofar as

appellants (accused No.6 and 11) are concerned and the matter is remitted to the High

Court for fresh disposal after giving due opportunity of hearing to accused No.6 and 11,

or after appointing an amicus curiae to put forth their case.  Appeal is,  accordingly,

disposed of.

  ...........................J.    ( R.V. RAVEENDRAN )

New Delhi;    ...........................J. October 20, 2008.           ( J.M. PANCHAL )