Penal Code, 1860–Secs. 447 & 379–Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989–Secs. 5(1)(4) & 3(1)(x)–Conviction–Reduction of sentence–Appellants did not press the findings of conviction–Incident occurred in the year 1994–Out of 13 appellants, 8 are now above 60 years of age–They suffered the agony of trial for more than 29 years–They remained incarcerated for some time–No fruitful purpose would be served by sending them to jail–Sentence reduced up to the period of already undergone.
