As per case facts a First Information Report was registered against Ramesan under sections of the Kerala Abkari Act and charges were framed Ramesan was convicted by an Additional Sessions ... Judge and his criminal appeal was dismissed by the High Court The question arose whether the criminal appeal should abate upon the death of the appellant-accused especially concerning the fine imposed Finally the Supreme Court held that the appeal regarding the sentence of fine should not abate upon the death of the accused and their legal heirs should be given an opportunity to present their case against the fine which could be recovered from the deceased's assets The High Court's judgment was set aside and the criminal appeal was revived for a fresh hearing with the legal heirs