Redemption fine for a confiscated vessel upheld where knowledge of contraband loading was found doubtful and circumstances justified the penalty.

The redemption fine imposed for redeeming a confiscated vessel was challenged as excessive, but the fine was upheld as reasonable in light of the value of the smuggled goods and the surrounding circumstances. The explanation that the vessel's master learned of the loading only after arrival at Singapore was found doubtful, because the record showed that the Chief Engineer had informed the Captain about the proposed loading of contraband at Singapore and no alert was given to the authorities at Colombo or Bombay. No further reduction in the fine was warranted.

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Issues: Whether the redemption fine of Rs. 10,00,000 imposed for redeeming the confiscated vessel was excessive and required reduction.

Analysis: The explanation that the master of the vessel became aware of the loading only after the vessel reached Singapore was found doubtful. The record indicated that the Chief Engineer had informed the Captain about the proposed loading of contraband at Singapore, yet no step was taken to alert the authorities at Colombo or Bombay. In view of the value of the smuggled goods and the surrounding circumstances, the fine fixed by the appellate authority was considered reasonable.

Conclusion: The redemption fine was upheld and no further reduction was warranted.

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