Telangana High Court
Sholaja Musibau And Anothers vs State, Through P.P on 11 February, 2022
Author: Chillakur Sumalatha
Bench: Chillakur Sumalatha
HONOURABLE Dr. JUSTICE CHILLAKUR SUMALATHA
CRIMINAL APPEAL No.304 of 2012
JUDGMENT:
Challenging the validity and the legality of the judgment that was rendered by the Court of I Additional District and Sessions Judge, Ranga Reddy District-cum-Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Cyberabad at L.B.Nagar in Sessions Case No.42 of 2010, dated 16.02.2012, accused Nos.1 and 2 preferred the present appeal.
2. Appellant No.1 (hereinafter be referred as "accused No.1" for the sake of convenience of discussion) was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 20 years on each count and also to pay fine of Rs.1 lakh on each count i.e., for the offences punishable under Sections 8(c) read with 21 (c), 23(c) and 29(1) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (hereinafter be referred as "the NDPS Act" for brevity) and in default of payment of fine, to undergo simple imprisonment for a period of five years. It was ordered that all the substantive sentences imposed on accused No.1 shall run concurrently. Appellant No.2 (hereinafter be referred as "accused No.2" for the sake of convenience of discussion) was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 10 years on each count and also to pay fine of Rs.1 lakh on each count i.e., for the offences punishable under Sections 8(c) read with 21(c), 23(c) and 29(1) of the NDPS Act and in default of payment of fine, to Dr.CSL, J 2 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 undergo simple imprisonment for a period of two years. It was ordered that all the substantive sentences imposed on accused No.2 shall run concurrently.
3. Aggrieved by the said judgment and conviction, accused Nos.1 and 2 preferred the present appeal.
4. During the course of hearing, Sri Mohammed Abdul Wahab, learned counsel for appellant No.1/accused No.1, submitted that accused No.2, who was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for 10 years, had completed the term of imprisonment and she was deported back to Nigeria which is her native country. Thus, the present appeal is heard only in respect of the accusations made, the evidence adduced and the judgment rendered against accused No.1.
5. Making his vigorous submission, the learned counsel for appellant No.1/accused No.1 submitted that the trial Court failed to appreciate the lapses in investigation and it gave a go-by to the legal principles and ultimately came to an erroneous conclusion that the prosecution established the case beyond all reasonable doubt and in fact, the prosecution miserably failed in doing so. The learned counsel further submitted that as the samples drawn were not kept in safe custody and as it was not established that the samples drawn and the material which was subjected to chemical examination are one and the same, basing conviction of accused No.1 on the evidence of the alleged Experts is erroneous. Learned counsel also stated that the evidence Dr.CSL, J 3 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 produced by the prosecution itself establishes that tampering cannot be ruled out. The learned counsel also contended that no satisfactory evidence is produced to show that the seized material is a contraband prohibited under the Schedule of the NDPS Act. The learned counsel also stated that only basing on assumptions and presumptions, the guilt of the accused was concluded and therefore, the judgment of the trial Court is perverse, illegal and contrary to the settled principles of law. The learned counsel further stated that the trial Court failed to give due weight to the safeguards, as provided under law, which protects the rights of the accused.
6. Apart from the aforementioned contentions, the learned counsel for appellant No.1/accused No.1 specially emphasized on reduction of sentence and submitted that accused No.1 has been in judicial custody since 28.01.2010 and thus, he completed 12 years of imprisonment and therefore, showing a lenient view by reducing the sentence imposed, he should be set at liberty.
7. Contradicting the submission of the learned counsel for appellant No.1/accused No.1, Sri A.Rama Krishna Reddy, learned Standing Counsel for Central Board of Excise and Customs (India), strenuously argued that accused Nos.1 and 2 have committed heinous offence of transporting a prohibited product from India to abroad and the worth of the product that was seized from the possession of the accused is more than Rs.10 cores in the international market. The learned Dr.CSL, J 4 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 Standing Counsel also stated that the quantity of prohibited material seized from the possession of accused Nos.1 and 2 far exceeds the commercial quantity and the offence committed by them is dangerous to the society. Hence, lenient view should not be taken. Learned Standing Counsel also stated that the judgment of the trial Court is sound and reasonable. He further submitted that prosecution by all the evidence produced has established the case beyond all reasonable doubt and indeed, though presumptions regarding the mental state, etc., are in favour of the prosecution as per the contents of the NDPS Act, independent of the said provisions, the prosecution has established its case before the trial Court and therefore, the judgment of the trial Court needs no interference.
8. Thus, in the light of the above contentions and rival contentions, the points that arise for consideration are:-
(1) Whether the prosecution established beyond all reasonable doubt before the trial Court that the material seized from the possession of accused No.1 is heroin.
(2) Whether the prosecution established beyond all reasonable doubt before the trial Court that search and seizure are conducted as provided under the provisions of the NDPS Act.
(3) Whether the prosecution has established its case against accused No.1 beyond all reasonable doubt for the offences charged.
(4) In case, point Nos.1 to 3 are answered in favour of the prosecution, whether the sentence imposed upon accused No.1 is proportionate to the crime committed.
Dr.CSL, J 5 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012
9. The case of the prosecution if narrated in a narrower compass, as projected in the charge sheet filed by the Superintendent of Customs (Preventive), Office of the Commissioner of Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax, Hyderabad-II, Commissionerate, is that specific intelligence was received from the Officers of Central Industrial Security Force, which is manning the Security Hold Area of International Departure of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad, Hyderabad, that accused No.1 who is a Nigerian national and accused No.2 who is a national of Republic of Benin were in possession of the substances which are prohibited under the NDPS Act. Those two passengers were bound for Lagos via Dubai by Emirates Flight No.EK-527 which is scheduled for departure at 10.30 am on 28.01.2010. The Officers of Customs (Air Intelligence Unit), Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, proceeded to the departure area along with two witnesses, i.e., P.W-1 and L.W-2-Miss G.Navanitha. Both the accused were present there. The Officers of Customs in the presence of the said witnesses expressed their intention to accused Nos.1 and 2 to conduct examination of their cabin baggage, checked in baggage and also the person of both the accused. The officers also informed that according to the provisions of the NDPS Act, they have a right to be searched in the presence of a Magistrate or a Gazetted officer, but, both of them politely declined. On enquiry, accused No.2 informed that she has Dr.CSL, J 6 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 checked in three baggages apart from the hand baggage, which is black coloured Samsonite stroller suitcase, she is carrying. Accused No.1 informed that he is carrying only one black Samsonite stroller suitcase as cabin baggage and he does not possess any checked in baggage. The baggage which was checked in by accused No.2 was retrieved and it consists of two black and one light brown coloured large stroller soft suitcases. All the three suitcases were of Samsonite make, containing baggage tags and those baggages bear the name of accused No.2 along with tag numbers. They were also containing the travel details as "To LOS (Lagos) EK 0781 via DBX (Dubai) EK 527" and the date of journey as "28.01.2010". Accused No.2 was enquired whether those three stroller suitcases belong to her and whether they were checked in by her, for which, she replied that they belong to her. Accused No.2 produced her air ticket from Hyderabad to Lagos via Dubai. On scrutiny of the said ticket, it was revealed that she came to Hyderabad from Lagos via Dubai on 21/22.01.2010 and she was scheduled to depart to Lagos via Dubai on 28.01.2010. On the said ticket, three baggage claim tags exhibiting weight as '3/79' were affixed.
10. Upon the request of the officers, in the presence of the witnesses i.e., P.W-1 and L.W-2-G.Navanitha, accused No.1 produced his ticket and stated that he came to Hyderabad from Lagos via Dubai on 21/22.01.2010 and he is scheduled to depart to Lagos via Dubai on 28.01.2010. Since the area Dr.CSL, J 7 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 was not conducive for conducting proper examination of the baggage, the officers made arrangements for examination of the same in the Air Intelligence Room which is adjacent to the Immigration area. The officers in the presence of the said witnesses opened the cabin baggage of accused No.1 and found it containing the personal belongings i.e., clothes, toiletries, etc. Upon emptying the contents of the baggage, the officers found that the baggage contained two aluminium rectangular pipes tightly secured with screws to the bottom of the said baggage. Upon unscrewing one of the said two aluminium pipes, it was noticed that the said pipe was stuffed with polythene packets. The officers ripped open the said pipe and found it containing four small polythene packets containing off-white coloured powder. Then the officers in the presence of the witnesses and in the presence of accused Nos.1 and 2 took a small quantity of the said powder from each of the said four polythene packets and tested the same with the help of Field Test Kit that was available with them and it tested positive for the presence of heroin, which is a substance prohibited under the provisions of the NDPS Act. The officers emptied the said powder from all the four polythene packets and made a homogenous mixture and kept the same in a single polythene cover. Then the content was weighed with the help of a weighing scale and it was found that it weighed 446 gms (gross) and 437 gms (net). The said rectangular aluminium pipe retrieved from the cabin baggage Dr.CSL, J 8 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 of accused No.1 was marked as 'A1' and the 'heroin' emptied from the said aluminium pipe and kept in a polythene cover was also marked as 'A1'. Then the officers unscrewed the second aluminium pipe and noticed that the said pipe was stuffed with polythene packets. The officers ripped open the pipe and found it containing four small polythene packets containing off-white coloured powder. The officers in the presence of the witnesses and accused Nos.1 and 2 took a small quantity of the said off-white powder from each of the four packets and tested the same with the help of Filed Test Kit and the same tested positive for the presence of heroin, which is a substance prohibited under the provisions of the NDPS Act. On that, the officers emptied the powder from four polythene packets and made a homogenous mixture and kept it in a single polythene cover. Then the officers weighed the said polythene cover containing heroin with the help of weighing scale and it weighed 450 gm (gross) and 441 gms (net). The rectangular pipe which was retrieved from the cabin baggage of accused No.1 was marked as 'A2' and the 'heroin' that was emptied from the said aluminium pipe and kept in the polythene cover was also marked as 'A2'. Thus, the total quantity of heroin recovered from the cabin baggage of accused No.1 was found to be 878 gms (net).
11. Then the officers in the presence of the witnesses and in the presence of accused Nos.1 and 2 opened the suit cases of accused No.2.
Dr.CSL, J 9 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012
12. As the appeal is being dealt with only against appellant No.1/accused No.1, the details of the contraband that was found in the baggages of accused No.2, as narrated in the charge sheet, are not indicated in detail. Suffice to mention that as per the contents of the charge sheet, in the first aluminium pipe of first baggage of accused No.2, 438 gms (net) of heroin was found and in the second aluminium pipe of the first baggage of accused No.2, 437 gms (net) of heroin was found and that, in the second baggage of accused No.2, in the first aluminium pipe, 659 gms (net) of heroin was found and in the second aluminium pipe present in the second baggage of accused No.2, 665 gms (net) of heroin was found. Likewise, in the third baggage of accused No.2, in the first aluminium pipe, 548 gms (net) of heroin was found and in the second aluminium pipe of the third baggage of accused No.2, 553 gms (net) of heroin was found.
13. The fourth baggage i.e., the checked in baggage of accused No.2 contained one smaller black coloured Samsonite suitcase. In the said suit case, two rectangular hollow aluminium pipes were found at the bottom of the baggage and in the first aluminium pipe, 689 gms (net) of heroin was found and in the second aluminium pipe, 687 gms (net) of heroin was found. Similarly, in the original bigger stroller suitcase, the officers found two rectangular aluminium pipes and that in the first aluminium pipe, 593 Dr.CSL, J 10 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 gms (net) of heroin was found and in the second aluminium pipe, 593 gms of (net) of heroin was found.
14. The fifth baggage of accused No.2 contained one smaller black coloured Samsonite suitcase and the said suitcase contained two rectangular hollow aluminium pipes. In the first aluminium pipe, 547 gms (net) of heroin was found and in the second pipe, 547 gms (net) of heroin was found.
15. In the second stroller suitcase contained in the original bigger suitcase, of accused No.2, in the first aluminium pipe, 657 gms (net) of heroin was found and in the second aluminium pipe, 653 gms (net) of heroin was found.
16. In the original suitcase which contained the above two suitcases, in the first aluminium pipe, 795 gms (net) of heroin and in the second aluminium pipe, 795 gms(net) of heroin was found.
17. The total quantity of heroin that was found in the baggage of accused No.1 is 878 gms (net) and in the baggages of accused No.2 is 9,850 gms (net). Thus, the total quantity of heroin found in the baggages of accused Nos.1 and 2 is 10,728 gms (net). The number of rectangular aluminium pipes that contained polythene packets of heroin and were found in possession of both the accused are 18. The value of the said material in the international market is Rs.10,73,00,000/-. The officers informed accused Nos.1 and 2 that they intend to conduct personal search and they also enlightened the provisions of Section 50 of the NDPS Act to Dr.CSL, J 11 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 them. Both of them expressed that they can be searched before a gazetted officer. Then, accused No.2 was searched by a lady officer in the presence of L.W-4-a lady gazetted officer and accused No.1 was searched by another officer. Nothing was recovered from their person. Representative samples in triplicate were drawn from the seized prohibited substances by following the procedure as provided under law. The entire proceedings were reduced into writing under a panchanama.
18. Summons were issued and the statements of both accused Nos.1 and 2 were recorded on 29.01.2010. Accused No.1 stated that he is a graduate in Horological engineering and is a native of Lagos island, but stays in Nigeria. He stated that he is an unemployee, but he is a professional football player and represents Jine club and that, one Mr. Taof Aregbesola, who is accused No.3, is a native of his village in Nigeria and is staying in Delhi. He further stated that the said accused No.3 sponsored his visit to India along with his girl friend i.e., accused No.2. Both of them left Lagos on 21.01.2010 and came to Hyderabad via Dubai and immediately left for Delhi and they stayed at Delhi till 27.01.2010 and thereafter, came to Hyderabad and they were scheduled to depart by Emirates flight No.EK-527 from Hyderabad to Dubai on 28.01.2010. He further stated that he knew accused No.3 since six to seven years, but he does not know his exact residential address. He further stated that the heroin that was seized from him and accused No.2 was Dr.CSL, J 12 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 actually procured by accused No.3, but he does not know from where he procured and accused No.3 asked him to deliver the suitcases containing the heroin to his brother in Lagos. He was aware that trafficking in narcotic drugs is an offence under the Indian Acts. By giving the above statement, accused No.1 submitted his original passport for enquiry purpose.
19. On enquiry, accused No.2 stated that she is a native of Porto-Novo, Republic of Benin in South Africa and that she is a hair dresser. Accused No.1 became her friend and they travelled together from Lagos, Nigeria via Dubai to Hyderabad and from Hyderabad they went to New Delhi. She further stated that accused No.1 promised her a free trip to India and also to pursue garments business and all the formalities relating to the to and fro travel was taken care by accused No.1. She further stated that the baggages were packed by accused Nos.1 and 3 and when they were packing the same, she was not let into the room and thus, she could sense that they were doing something which they do not want her to know. Accused No.2 also submitted her original passport for enquiry purpose and the same was seized. Both the accused were arrested and produced before the Magistrate concerned. The seized objects were deposited in the Customs go-down. Intimation was given to the High Commissioner, Nigeria Embassy, New Delhi, about the arrest of accused No1. Likewise, intimation was given to the High Commissioner, Dr.CSL, J 13 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 Consulate General of Republic of Benin in India, New Delhi, informing the arrest of accused No.2. One set of the representative samples drawn were sent to the Central Revenue Laboratory, Customs House, Chennai, for chemical analysis along with the test memo. The reports received confirmed the presence of Diacetyl Morphine (heroin) which is a narcotic substance under the NDPS Act. Though accused No.1 in his statement furnished the mobile numbers of accused No.3, he could not be traced. Thus, both the accused wilfully, knowingly and intentionally entered into criminal conspiracy with accused No.3 to smuggle heroin out of India by concealing the same in their baggages and thereby, rendered themselves liable for punishment. The aforesaid facts formed basis for the trial Court to proceed with the case. Charges were framed and accused Nos.1 and 2 were subjected to trial.
20. Scrutinizing the evidence of P.Ws.1 to 16, Exs.P-1 to P-121 and M.Os.1 to 88, the learned judge of the trial Court came to a conclusion that the prosecution established its case beyond all reasonable doubt and thereby, held that the charges framed against accused Nos.1 and 2 were proved. The trial Court thus convicted both of them i.e., accused Nos.1 and 2, as stated supra.
21. In the light of the above factual scenario, the points that are framed for consideration would be discussed now.
Dr.CSL, J 14 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012
22.Point No.1:-
As per the version of the prosecution, two rectangular aluminium pipes were retrieved from each of the baggages of accused Nos.1 and 2, which are marked as A, B, C, D, G, H, I, J and K, and in those pipes, polythene packets containing heroin was found and the total quantity of heroin seized from accused Nos.1 and 2 is 10,728 gms. Also, as per the version of the prosecution, the seized substance is valued at Rs.10,73,00,000/- in the international market.
23. To establish that the seized product is heroin, the prosecution mainly relied upon the evidence of P.Ws.9 to 13 and P.W-16. The evidence of P.W-9 is that he worked as Air Customs Officer, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad, Hyderabad and on 01.6.2010, the Assistant Commissioner (Admn) entrusted a letter to him authorising him to collect the test report of the sealed remnants samples from the Central Revenue Laboratory, Chennai and accordingly, he went there and collected three sealed covers said to have containing test reports and 18 sealed covers said to have containing the remnant samples and returned to Hyderabad and deposited the same in the Customs go-down. He further stated that after making the necessary entries in the go-down register to that effect, he handed over those 18 sealed remnant covers along with three sealed covers to the go-down Superintendent, who acknowledged the same vide Exs.P-105 and P-106. The Analysts who actually analysed the Dr.CSL, J 15 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 samples are P.Ws.10, 11, 13 and 16. P.Ws.10, 11 and 13 consistently said that the samples received by them were tested separately as per the manual approved by United Nations. They also stated that the samples tested by them revealed the presence of Diacetyl Morphine i.e., heroin. Though those witnesses were subjected to extensive cross- examination, they stood to their testimony as given by them in their chief-examination and thus, nothing could be elicited through them which make their testimony untruthful.
24. Coming to the evidence of P.W-16, he stated that on 16.03.2011, the Director of CFSL, Hyderabad, has allotted 18 sealed cover envelopes containing the samples which were received from the Court for analysis and submission of report and that, he as Junior Scientific Officer of CFSL, Hyderabad, opened those sealed covers and completed his analysis and submitted a report to Court. He further stated that he analysed the samples by applying colour test, thin layer chromatography (PHY) (TLC), GC-MS methods and basing on the said methods, he concluded that Caffeine, Diacetyl Morphine (heroin) and Mono acetyl Morphine were detected in Exs.A-2, D-1, G-1 and G-2. He further stated that Caffeine and Mono Acetyl Morphine were detected in Exs.A-1, B-1, B-2, C-1, C-2, D-2, D2, H-1, H-2, I-1, I-2, J-1, J-2, K-1 and K-2. He further deposed that as the heroin was exposed to atmosphere, it degraded to Mona Acetyl Morphine.
Dr.CSL, J 16 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012
25. Basing on the above statements of P.W-16, the learned Standing Counsel, during the course of arguments, contended that though in other seized material also heroin was present, due to lapse of time, it might have been degraded to Mono Acetyl Morphine. However, the said fact is not an issue here.
26. P.W-16 denied the suggestion of the learned counsel for accused No.1 that the reports i.e., Exs.P-120 and P-121 cannot indicate the presence of Diacetyl Morphine and that, those reports are unscientific and they do not help the Court. He further denied the suggestion that the samples were not tested with the prescribed methods. P.W-16 during the course of chief examination also stated that based upon the test results, in Exs.A-2, D-1, G-1 and G-2, he found 6.14%, 9.37%, 7.26% and 6.10% of Diacetyl Morphine (Heroin) respectively. This Court does not find any convincing circumstances whatsoever to discard the said testimony.
27. As rightly pointed out in the judgment of the trial Court, the evidence of P.Ws.10, 11 and 13 is further strengthened by the evidence of P.W-16.
28. Section 2 of the NDPS Act defines the words that are used in the said Act. Section 2 (xvi) defines the word "opium derivative". Section 2 (xiv)(d) says that "opium derivate" means diacetylmorphine, that is, alkaloid which is also known as diamorphine or heroin and its salts.
Dr.CSL, J 17 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012
29. Section 2 (xiv)(e) of the NDPS Act says that "opium derivative" means all preparations containing more than 0.2% of morphine or containing any diacetylmorphine.
30. Thus, in the light of the said provisions, it can undoubtedly be held that the product seized from the possession of accused Nos.1 and 2 is heroin. The prosecution by all the evidence produced has established the said fact.
31. Though the learned counsel for accused No.1 contended that the samples that were subjected to analysis and the samples drawn from the packets that were in possession of accused No.1 are not one and the same, the said contention does not hold water in the light of the discussion that would go on in the coming point that is taken up for consideration.
32.Point No.2:-
Arguing at length on this aspect, learned counsel for accused No.1 submitted that the samples drawn were not deposited under safe custody and the samples drawn are different from the material analysed and the evidence of P.W-16 reveals the said fact. The evidence of P.W-16 in this regard is that on 16.3.2011, the Director of CFSL, Hyderabad allotted 18 sealed cover envelopes containing samples which were received from the Court for analysis and to submit report. On that, he opened those covers and completed his analysis. P.W-16 during the course of cross-examination admitted that Exs.P-120 and 121 bears his signature alone and they do not bear the signature of the Director or the Dr.CSL, J 18 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 Joint/Additional Director of CFSL. However, he volunteered that those reports were sent to the Court on the approval of the Director.
33. Learned counsel for accused No.1 contended that step- wise data of analysis has to be maintained and the work sheet showing the step-wise data of analysis was not produced and therefore, Exs.P-120 and 121 lost their significance. P.W-16 during the course of cross-examination stated that the work sheet showing the step-wise data of analysis conducted over the samples was not filed along with Exs.P-120 and 121. However, as rightly submitted by the learned Standing Counsel, the evidence of P.W-16 is corroborated by the evidence of three other scientific officers i.e., P.Ws.10, 11 and
13. Therefore, only because the work sheet showing the step- wise data of analysis was not produced, it cannot be held that the analysis itself was not conducted properly and that the reports of the Analysts are false.
34. The contention of the learned counsel for accused No.1 is that during the search and seizure, the prescribed procedure was not followed. But, when the evidence of P.Ws.1 and 2 is gone through, this Court finds that the procedure laid down has been meticulously executed and followed by all the concerned. It is not in dispute that the baggages retrieved and seized from the possession of accused Nos.1 and 2 do not belong to them. Also, it is not in dispute that accused Nos.1 and 2 visited Hyderabad by travelling from Lagos via Dubai on Dr.CSL, J 19 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 21/22.01.2010. Further, it is not in dispute that both of them visited Delhi and came back to Hyderabad. Also, it is not in dispute that on the date of incident, i.e., on 28.01.2010, both of them were scheduled for departure at 10.30 am for Lagos via Dubai by Emirates flight No.EK-527 on boarding from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. Even for a moment, if it is believed that the material seized from the possession of accused Nos.1 and 2 is not a prohibited material under the NDPS Act, the basic expectation would be that accused Nos.1 and 2, who were in possession of the said material, have to explain as to why they are carrying the same by concealing it in aluminium pipes in their baggages.
35. Section 35 of the NDPS Act provides for statutory presumption. It reads as under:-
"Presumption of culpable mental state - In any prosecution for an offence under this Act, which requires a culpable mental state of the accused, the Court shall presume the existence of such mental state but it shall be a defence for the accused to prove the fact that he had no such mental state with respect to the act charged as an offence in that prosecution."
36. No doubt, Section 35 of the NDPS Act would attract only when the prosecution has discharged its initial burden. In the case on hand, by the discussion that went on supra, more particularly, through the evidence of P.Ws.1 and 2, the prosecution has established in clear terms that the contraband was seized from the possession of accused Nos.1 Dr.CSL, J 20 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 and 2. Therefore, the Court is under liability to presume the existence of such mental state to commit a prohibited act i.e., carrying a prohibited material by illegal means. Admittedly, possession need not be physical, it can be constructive. It is clearly brought on record by all the evidence produced by the prosecution that the baggages which belong to accused Nos.1 and 2 contained the prohibited material. Though the learned counsel for accused No.1 has taken this Court to the procedure prescribed under Sections 41 and 42 of the NDPS Act and submitted that the said procedure laid down thereunder was not followed, this Court is not inclined to accept the said submission in the light of the evidence produced through the witnesses examined by the prosecution. The learned judge of the trial Court has discussed the evidence of the said witnesses at length and held at para 30 of the judgment as follows:-
"As seen from the evidence of P.W-1, one thing is apparent that this witness has narrated without any deviation from the version of P.W-2 as discussed supra the proceedings conducted by P.W-2 in their presence. So also, how the contraband, i.e., heroin is ultimately retrieved from the rectangular aluminium pipes which are fitted to the bottom of the cabin baggages and the check in baggages of accused Nos.1 and 2. In fact, his evidence is so consistent and he has not given any scope in his cross- examination to doubt his presence at the time of the above panchanama proceedings as panch witness."
Dr.CSL, J 21 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012
37. Learned counsel for accused No.1 based his submission on the ground that a file has to be opened for each search and seizure and such a file is not opened and produced in the present case. Admittedly, as submitted by the learned counsel for accused No.1, such file is not produced in the instant case. The same is evident as per the material available on record. However, this Court is in full agreement with the observations made by the trial Court at para 56 of the judgment which are as under:-
"This Court is of view that the opening of the file and maintaining the minutes-wise proceedings of the investigation is equivalent and on par with the General Diary being maintained by the Police. When the production of the General Diary by the prosecution is dispensed with under Criminal Procedure Code, the same principle is applicable even in case of the file to be opened by the Customs authority showing the date wise detailed investigation. So, the non-filing of the file is not fatal to the prosecution. In view of the aforementioned discussion, this Court is inclined to answer the present question in favour of the prosecution."
38. When the oral testimony is cogent and convincing and further, when the panchanama of the proceedings was also produced, this Court is of the view that only on the ground that a case file is not opened for search and seizure or the case file opened is not produced, the said evidence cannot be discarded. Therefore, this Court holds that the pleas taken challenging the search and seizure are unsustainable.
39.Point No.3:-
Dr.CSL, J 22 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 The evidence produced by the prosecution is trustworthy. The prosecution witnesses have stood to the test of credibility and thereby, the prosecution has connected accused Nos.1 and 2 to the crime. Though a plea was taken that the statements that were alleged to be given by accused Nos.1 and 2 were not voluntary and they were obtained by force and coercion, yet independent of those statements, the prosecution by all the evidence produced has established its case. Thus, it can be safely held that the prosecution has proved its case beyond all reasonable doubt before the trial Court.
40.Point No.4:-
The trial Court held that accused No.1 is liable to be convicted for the offences punishable under Sections 8(c) read with 21 (c), 23(c) and 29(1) of the NDPS Act.
41. Section 8 which is in Chapter III of the NDPS Act lays down that no person shall cultivate any coca plant or gather any portion of coca plant or cultivate opium poppy or any cannabis plant or produce, manufacture, possess, sell, purchase, transport, warehouse, use, consume, import, inter- State, export inter-State, import into India, export from India or tranship any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance, except for medical or scientific purposes and in the manner and to the extent indicated.
42. Section 8-A(c) of the NDPS Act, more particularly, reads as under:-
Dr.CSL, J 23 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 "No person shall knowingly acquire, possess or use any property which was derived from an offence committed under this Act or under any other corresponding law of any other country."
43. It is clearly brought on record that accused No.1 along with accused No.2 tried to export the material prohibited under the NDPS Act from India. Section 21 prescribes the punishment for contravention in relation to manufactured drugs and preparations.
Section 21(c) of the NDPS Act reads as under:-
"Punishment for contravention in relation to manufactured drugs and preparations --Whoever, in contravention of any provision of this Act or any rule or order made or condition of licence granted thereunder, manufactures, possesses, sells, purchases, transports, imports inter-State, exports inter-State or uses any manufactured drug or any preparation containing any manufactured drug shall be punishable,--
(c) where the contravention involves commercial quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to twenty years, and shall also be liable to fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to two lakh rupees:
Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a fine exceeding two lakh rupees."
44. Therefore, the person who in contravention of the provisions of the NDPS Act or any rule or order made thereunder transports the manufactured drug and where the Dr.CSL, J 24 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 said drug involves commercial quantity, he would be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 10 years but which may extend to 20 years and shall also be liable to fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to two lakh rupees.
45. The prosecution, as earlier discussed, has clearly established that accused No.1 has committed the offences punishable under Sections 8(c) read with 21(c), 23(c) and 29(1) of the NDPS Act.
46. Section 23 of the NDPS Act prescribes punishment for illegal import of any narcotic or psychotropic substance into India or export of the said drug from India or transportation of the said drug. It says that where the contravention involves commercial quantity, the accused shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to 20 years and shall also be liable to fine which shall not be less than Rs.1 lakh but which extend to Rs. 2 lakhs.
47. In the case on hand, it is clearly established by the prosecution that accused No.1 along with accused No.2 was exporting a narcotic product (heroin) from India and the quantity involved is a commercial quantity.
48. Coming to Section 29 of the NDPS Act, it prescribes punishment for abetment and criminal conspiracy. The said provision reads as under:-
"Punishment for abetment and criminal conspiracy - (1) Whoever abets, or is a party to a Dr.CSL, J 25 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 criminal conspiracy to commit, an offence punishable under this Chapter, shall, whether such offence be or be not committed in consequence of such abetment or in pursuance of such criminal conspiracy, and notwithstanding anything contained in Section 116 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860), be punishable with the punishment provided for the offence.
(2) A person abets, or is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit, an offence, within the meaning of this section, who, in India abets or is a party to the criminal conspiracy to the commission of any act in a place without and beyond India which---
(a) would constitute an offence if committed within India; or
(b) under the laws of such place, is an offence relating to narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances having all the legal conditions required to constitute it such an offence the same as or analogous to the legal conditions required to constitute it an offence punishable under this Chapter, if committed within India."
49. By all the evidence that is brought on record, it is clearly established by the prosecution that accused No.1 along with accused No.2 came to India from Lagos via Dubai on 21/22.01.2010 and thereafter, went to Delhi, returned back from Delhi to Hyderabad and on 28.01.2010 attempted to depart from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, to Dubai via Lagos through Emirates flight No.EK-527 and at the time of departure, they were found in possession of heroin.
Dr.CSL, J 26 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 The acts committed by accused No.1 is undoubtedly a heinous one.
50. Importing and exporting of narcotic and psychotropic substances are being vigilantly examined and steps for prohibition of the same are being taken by the Government from decades. However, the said offences are found continuing. There is every necessity for protecting the country not only from external invasions but also to strengthen the society and the public. The offences committed by accused No.1, if viewed leniently, as rightly observed by the trial Court, would give a wrong signal to the society and to the like- minded persons to perpetrate the crime which would ultimately destroy the fabric of the society. The strength of the nation would get affected. The trial Court by all its wisdom though convicted accused No.1 and sentenced him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for 20 years on each count for all the three offences, i.e. for the offences punishable under Sections 8(c) read with 21(c), 23(c) and 29(1) of the NDPS Act, has directed that all the three substantive sentences shall run concurrently. Therefore, this Court is not inclined to show further lenience keeping in view the gravity of the offences committed by accused No.1 and its impact on the nation as a whole. Therefore, the ultimate conclusion of this Court is that the appeal lacks merits and deserves dismissal.
51. In the result, the Criminal Appeal is dismissed confirming the judgment dated 16.02.2012 rendered by the Dr.CSL, J 27 Crl.A.No.304 of 2012 Court of I Additional District and Sessions Judge, Ranga Reddy District-cum-Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Cyberabad at L.B.Nagar, Hyderabad in Sessions Case No.42 of 2010.
52. Pending Miscellaneous Petitions, if any, shall stand closed. No costs.
_______________________________________ Dr. JUSTICE CHILLAKUR SUMALATHA 11.02.2022 dr