Sentence enhancement requires prior notice and hearing before adding fine or default imprisonment to the original punishment.

A High Court cannot enhance a sentence by adding a fine and default imprisonment without first issuing notice and giving the accused an opportunity to be heard. The addition of such penal consequences is treated as sentence enhancement, and it must comply with natural justice and the prescribed procedure. Where the record does not show prior notice or hearing, the enhancement is procedurally invalid and liable to be set aside. The underlying sentence imposed by the trial court may then remain undisturbed.

---

---

Issues: Whether the High Court could enhance the sentence by imposing a fine and default sentence without issuing notice and affording the appellants an opportunity of hearing.

Analysis: The High Court's addition of a fine and default imprisonment amounted to enhancement of the sentence originally imposed by the trial court. Enhancement of sentence cannot be made without prior notice to the accused and an opportunity to show cause against the proposed increase. Since the record did not show that any such notice or hearing was given, the enhancement offended the rules of natural justice and the prescribed procedure.

Conclusion: The enhancement of sentence by the High Court was set aside for want of notice and hearing, while the sentence of life imprisonment imposed by the trial court was maintained in favour of the appellants.

---