1992 (11) TMI 201 - HC - Indian Laws

Opium Act Violation Upheld: Conviction and Sentence Confirmed by High Court

SURAJBALI TIWARI Versus STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

SURAJBALI TIWARI Versus STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH - 1993 (66) E.L.T. 74 (M. P.) Issues:Conviction and sentence under Section 9A of the Opium Act, Reliance on sole testimony of Investigating Officer, Lack of independent witness, Request for leniency in sentencing.Analysis:The judgment by the High Court of Madhya Pradesh involved the revision petition filed by the applicant/accused Surajbali Tiwari against his conviction and sentence under Section 9A of the Opium Act. The applicant was initially convicted and sentenced to 6 months of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 500 by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Shahdol, which was upheld by the Sessions Judge in the appeal. The applicant challenged this decision in the revision petition before the High Court.The prosecution's case was based on the illegal possession of about 10 gm of opium by the applicant on a specific date, which was seized in the presence of witnesses. The applicant had denied his guilt before the trial court, leading to a contested trial.One of the main arguments raised on behalf of the applicant was the alleged error in relying solely on the testimony of the Investigating Officer, who was considered an interested witness. It was contended that no independent witness was examined to prove the possession of opium by the accused. The defense also requested a lenient view in sentencing and sought acquittal of the accused under Section 9A of the Opium Act.The State of Madhya Pradesh, representing the prosecution, argued that the charge against the accused was fully established through the evidence presented. The prosecution maintained that both lower courts had not erred in finding the accused guilty under Section 9A of the Opium Act.The High Court, in its analysis, noted that both lower courts had concurred on the illegal possession of opium by the accused based on the unchallenged testimony of the Investigating Officer. Despite the dismissal of another witness's testimony by the Sessions Judge, the court found the prosecution's case sufficiently supported by the evidence. The court emphasized the lack of evidence indicating any malice or false implication by the Investigating Officer, further affirming the guilt of the accused under Section 9A of the Opium Act.Ultimately, the High Court found no merit in the revision petition and dismissed it, confirming the conviction and sentence of the accused. The court directed the accused, who was on bail, to appear before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Shahdol, to undergo the awarded sentence under Section 9A of the Opium Act.