Section 54 Shifts Burden to Accused for Possession, Requires Proven Recovery First; Doubts Favor Accused and Co-accused.

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....Smuggling - It is true that Section 54 of the Act raises a presumption and the burden shifts on the accused to explain as to how he came into possession of the contraband. But to raise the presumption under Section 54 of the Act, it must first be established that a recovery was made from the accused. The moment a doubt is cast upon the most fundamental aspect, namely the search and seizure, the appellant will also be entitled to the same benefit as given by the Special Court to the co-accused. - SC....