1. The instant appeal under section 374(2) of the Code of Criminal
Procedure is directed against judgment of conviction dated 28.11.1998
and the order of sentence dated 30.11.1998 passed by the learned 1 st Addl.
Sessions Judge, Godda in Sessions Trial Case No. 143 of 1997/192 of
1998 whereby and whereunder the appellants, above-named, have been
convicted under sections 302/34 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced
to undergo RI for life under section 302/34 of the Indian Penal Code.
2. At the outset, it needs to mention here that one of the appellants-
co-convict, namely, Pradeep Mahto, had died during the pendency of the
appeal. In this regard, a photo copy of the death certificate of Pradeep
2025:JHHC:21688-DB
Kumar Mahto dated 06.05.2021 issued under the signature of Registrar
(Birth & Death) Gram panchayat, Pandu Bathan has been produced by the
learned Public Prosecutor. Let the same be taken on record. In view of the
above, the present criminal appeal qua the appellant, namely, Pradeep
Mahto stands abated.