ORDER This is a reference by the learned Sessions Judge, Manipur, under S. 438 of the Criminal P. C., with the recommendation that the convictions and sentences of fine of the petitioners (1) Thokchom Tomba Singh, (2) Khumanthem Raghu Singh, (3) Ningthoujam Tompok Singh and (4) Thoudam Chaoba Singh, under S. 447 of the I. P. C., be set aside, and they be retried. 2. The case against the petitioners was started on a complaint under Ss. 447 and 427, and the trial of the case commenced as a warrant case obviously because one of the two offences was triable as a warrant case. After the examination of the prosecution witnesses was over the ease was transferred to the file of Shri. Lamphel Singh, Magistrate 1st Class, who examined the accused and proceeded further without framing a charge. Order sheet dated 12-5-1956 however shows that the charge under S. 427, I. P. C., was dropped. No defence evidence was led by the accused and the learned Magistrate convicted them under S. 447, I. P. C., and sentenced them to pay a fine of Rs. 20/- each. 3. Since the trial of the case was commenced as a warrant case, it was necessary that it must be concluded as Appellant warrant case and the sudden change of procedure in the midst of the trial was obviously illegal. The accused were also prejudiced inasmuch as they were deprived of the right of cross-examining the prosecution witnesses after charge. The learned Government Advocate also conceded this point before me. The conviction and sentence cannot, therefore, be allowed to stand. 4. Taking everything into consideration, I consider that it is necessary in the interest of justice that there should be Appellant retrial and the learned counsel for the petitioners also admitted before me that it was a fit case for retrial. 5. The result is that the reference is accepted and the conviction and sentences of the petitioners are set aside, and they shall be retried by another competent Magistrate to be selected by the District Magistrate, Manipur. Fine if recovered, shall be refunded forthwith to the petitioners. Order accordingly.