ISSUE:
Whether the appellants were guilty of the murder of Moti Ram and Balak Ram under Section 302 read with Section 34 IPC, based on the evidence presented by the prosecution?
Whether the framing of alternative charges caused prejudice to the appellants and vitiated the trial?
Whether the plea of self-defence raised by the appellants was credible and sustainable in light of the evidence?
RULE:
Procedural Defects and Prejudice: Procedural defects, such as errors in framing charges, do not invalidate a trial unless actual prejudice to the accused is demonstrated, as justice is not to be frustrated by technicalities.
Self-Defence Evaluation: A plea of self-defence is valid only when supported by credible, consistent evidence, and it will be rejected if found contradictory or disproved by the prosecution's case.