1. Leave granted.
2. Heard the learned counsel for the parties.
3. This matter was repeatedly adjournment for verification whether the names of the counsel engaged by the present appellants were mentioned in the cause list notified by the Registry of the High Court of Madras or not? The original copy of the cause list which has been produced by the learned counsel for the appellants, prima facie reveals that the names of the learned counsel for the present appellants were not shown in the said cause list. The cause list produced by the learned counsel for the appellants be kept on record. The learned Additional Solicitor General appearing on behalf of the respondent was not in a position to point out anything to the contrary. From the judgment also it appears that the appeal was heard in the absence of the learned counsel for the appellants. Hence, impugned order requires to be set aside.
4. In this view of the matter, the appeal is allowed, impugned order passed by the High Court in Crl. Appeal No. 552/1993 is set aside and the matter is remitted to the High Court for deciding it afresh in accordance with law.