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Thus the three Courts have already held that the prosecution has proved its case by cogent evidence and we do not find any ground to take a different view in the matter and acquit the accused-appellants.

It is urged before us by the learned counsel for the appellants that the prayer for releasing the appellants on probation under the Probation of Offenders Act 1958 should have been considered by the Court when such request was made before the Magistrate and the same is apparent from the order of the Magistrate when he records: "learned defence counsel has submitted that the convicts have no previous conviction and they are young, so considering the nature of the offence, they may kindly be released under Section 3 of Probation of Offenders Act". Learned counsel for the appellants submitted before this Court that having regard to the circumstances of the case, including the nature of the offence and the character of the offender, it is expedient to release the accused persons on probation by this Court.

Section 4 of the Probation of Offenders Act empowers the Court to release a convicted person on his entering into a bond with or without sureties on probation when he is found guilty of committing of any offence, not punishable with death or imprisonment for life. Relevant portion of Section 4 of the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958 reads thus:

"Section 4 - Power of Court to release certain offenders on probation of good conduct - (1) When any person is found guilty of having committed an offence not punishable with death or imprisonment for life and the Court by which the person is found guilty is of opinion that, having regard to the circumstances of the case including the nature of the offence and the character of the offender, it is expedient to release him on probation of good conduct, then, notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the Court may, instead of sentencing him at once to any punishment, direct that he be released on his entering into a bond, with or without sureties, to appear and receive sentence when called upon during such period not exceeding three years, as the Court may direct, and in the meantime to keep the peace and be of good behaviour."

For exercising the power which is discretionary, the Court has to consider circumstances of the case, the nature of the offence and the character of the offender. While considering the nature of the offence, the Court must take a realistic view of the gravity of the offence, the impact which the offence had on the victim. The benefit available to the accused under Section 4 of the Probation of Offenders Act is subject to the limitation embodied in the provisions and the word "may" clearly indicates that the discretion vests with the Court whether to release the offender in exercise of the powers under Section 3 or 4 of the Probation of Offenders Act, having regard to the nature of the offence and the character of the offender and overall circumstances of the case. The powers under Section 4 of the Probation of Offenders Act vest with the Court when any person is found guilty of the offence committed, not punishable with death or imprisonment for life. This power can be exercised by the Courts while finding the person guilty and if the Court thinks that having regard to the circumstances of the case, including the nature of the offence and the character of the offender, benefit should be extended to the accused, the power can be exercised by the Court even at the appellate or revisional stage and also by this Court while hearing appeal under Article 136 of the Constitution of India. The fact as emerged in this case. It is apparent that the incident occurred at the spur of the moment and is traverse in nature. There is no material on record to indicate that the appellants have any previous conviction. In the absence of such evidence, we treat appellants as first offenders. A-1, namely, Sitaram Paswan has made the assault using Danda and the fists and caused simple injuries to Krishna Devi, Paltoo Paswan and Vijay Kumar, PW-2, PW-5 and PW-4 respectively. He has been convicted with the aid of Section 34, under Section 324 and under Section 323 I.P.C. whereas the case of A-2 Raj Kumar is different. He has caused injuries to Paltoo Paswan and Vijay Kumar using the sword. Injury found on Paltoo Paswan is sharp cuts on left side of the head and on Vijay Kumar, cut injury on the left side of the head.

Having regard to the aforesaid circumstances and taking the overall view of the matter, we feel that the accused-appellant Sitaram Paswan is entitled for the benefit under Section 4 of the Probation of Offenders Act. Therefore, while confirming his conviction, we direct that he be released on probation on his entering into a bond for Rs.10,000/- within the period of three weeks from today before the Court of S.D.J.M. (Sadar), Sitamarhi, for keeping peace and good behaviour. The appeal of the Raj Kumar is dismissed and he would surrender forthwith.