Credible NDPS evidence overrides a bare Section 313 denial, and the statutory-minimum sentence was upheld.

Conviction under the NDPS Act was sustained because the prosecution's documentary and ocular evidence, including seizure material and witness testimony, was found credible and sufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The appellants could not show any material error in that appreciation of evidence, and their bare denial in Section 313 CrPC statements did not displace the prosecution case. The Supreme Court also noted that the sentence imposed was the statutory minimum, and upheld the conviction and sentence while dismissing the appeals.

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Issues: Whether the conviction for the offence under Section 15 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 was sustainable on the basis of the documentary and ocular evidence led by the prosecution, and whether the appellants could derive benefit from their statements under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

Analysis: The prosecution evidence, including the seizure material and the testimony of witnesses, was accepted by the courts below as proving the appellants' guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The appellants did not demonstrate any material error in that appreciation of evidence. Their denial in statements under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, by itself, could not displace the credible evidence establishing guilt. The sentence imposed was also the minimum prescribed for the offence.

Conclusion: The conviction and sentence were upheld, and the appeals were dismissed.

Ratio Decidendi: A conviction supported by credible documentary and ocular evidence cannot be overturned merely on the basis of a bare denial in a statement under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, particularly where the sentence imposed is the statutory minimum.

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