In Re: Nalli Veera Thevan and Another

Ayling, J.—The evidence certainly justifies the conviction of the 2nd accused in the alternative u/s 379 or Section 411 I.P.C. and also the

conviction of the 1st accused u/s 215 I.P.C. I agree with the Sessions Judge that the evidence does not support the conviction of the 1st accused

u/s 379 or Section 411 I. P.C.

The legality of 2nd accused''s conviction u/s 215 has next to be considered. It has been held in Queen Empress v. Mahammed Ali ILR 1900 A

81 that the section was not intended to apply to the actual thief, but to some one, who being in league with the thief receives some gratification on

account of helping the owner to recover the stolen property without at the same time using all the means in his power to cause the thief to be

apprehended and convicted. Whether the principle of the ruling would apply where the receiver of the gratification was also in dishonest

possession of the stolen property u/s 411, but not the actual thief, is open to argument. I express no opinion. But in the present case the 2nd

accused has been convicted in the alternative of an offence u/s 379 or Section 411 I.P.C. I think the spirit of the ruling should apply, and the

conviction u/s 215 should be set aside.

I see no reason to order a retrial on the ground of misjoinder of charges ; for the evidence of close association between the accused persons

justifies the inference that the theft and retention of the cattle and their restoration on payment were all part of one plot and one transaction within

the meaning of Section 239 Criminal Procedure Code.

I set aside the conviction of 1st accused under Sections 379, 411 and 75 I.P.C. and that of the 2nd accused u/s 215.

The sentences are reduced to six months'' regular imprisonment for each accused.