RGNUL National Moot Court Competition 2016 (a)

5TH RGNUL NATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

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TEAM CODE: A 47

IN THE HON’BLE PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT AT CHANDIGARH

CRIMINAL APPEAL NO……….. OF 2016

IN THE MATTER OF:

SATNAM SINGH

... APPELLANT-1

BALBIR SINGH

…APPELLANT-2

V.

STATE OF PUNJAB

…R ESPONDENT ESPONDENT

CRIMINAL APPEAL AGAINST CONVICTION

U NDER § 36B OF NDPS ACT R /W § 374 OF CR PC PC

MEMORANDUM ON BEHALF OF THE APPELLANTS

ESPONDENT WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF R ESPONDENT

1|Page


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

S. NO.

PARTICULARS

PAGE NO.

1.

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ii

2.

INDEX OF AUTHORITIES

iii

3.

STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION

viii

4.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

ix

5.

AISED ISSUES R AISED

xi

6.

SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS

xii

7.

ARGUMENTS ADVANCED

I.

1-20

ESPONDENT HAS PROVED THE ALLEGED OFFENCE WHETHER R ESPONDENT

AGAINST THE APPELLANTS? A. That Appellants have explained the presence at the s pot. B. That the prosecution has not established conscious possession of the opium. C. That the recovery has not been satisfactorily proved. D. That there is no culpable state of mind II.

.

WHETHER A NY FALSE CASE HAS BEEN IMPLICATED AGAINST THE APPELLANTS? A. That there has been inordinate and unexplained delay in sending samples to the FSL. B. That there is deep gaping missing link regarding safe custody of the contraband. C. That delay in FIR creates a serious doubt on the story of prosecution.

MEMORANDUM ON BEHALF OF APPELLANTS

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D. That there is presence of motive to falsely implicate the appellants. III.

WHETHER THE PROCEDURE ALLEGED TO BE ADOPTED I N SEARCH A ND SEIZURE STANDS THE SCRUTINY OF LAW ? A. That the prosecution has failed to associate independent witnesses to the search. B. That evidence of hostile witness cannot be rejecte d in toto. C. That evidence of a stock witness is unworthy of credit. D. That testimony of official witness is after consultation and deliberation.

IV.

WHETHER THE PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS U NDER § 50 OF NDPS ACT, 1985 HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH OR NOT? A. That the mandatory provisions have not been complied with. B. That non-compliance of the provision vitiates the recovery.

V.

WHETHER THE E NHANCEMENT OF SENTENCE BASED O N PREVIOUS CONVICTION IS VALID OR NOT? A. That non-framing of charge has caused prejudice to the accused. B. That identity of the accused has not been proved. C. That there is failure of justice due to question regarding previous conviction.

8.

21

PRAYER


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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

S. N S. NO.

ABBREVIATION

FULL FORM

1.

&

And

2.

§

Section

3.

@

Alias

4.

AIR

All India Reporter

5.

Anr.

Another

6.

CrLJ

Criminal Law Journal

7.

CrPC

Code of Criminal Procedure

8.

DW

Defence Witness

9.

ed.

Edition

10.

F.I.R

First Information Report

11.

HC

High Court

12.

NCB

Narcotics Control Bureau

13.

NDPS

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

14.

NOC

Notes On Cases

15.

Ors.

Others

16.

PW

Prosecution Witness

17.

P&H

Punjab and Haryana

18.

r/w

Read with

19.

SC

Supreme Court

20.

SCALE

Supreme Court Almanac

21.

SCC

Supreme Court Cases

22.

SI

Sub Inspector

23.

v.

Versus MEMORANDUM ON BEHALF OF APPELLANTS

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INDEX OF AUTHORITIES

EFERRED: BOOKS R EFERRED

S. NO. 1.

BOOK NAME

Dibyajyoti De, Guide to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (Wadhwa& Co., Nagpur 2003). Dr. M.C. Mehanathan, Law Mehanathan, Law of Control on Narcotic Drugs Drugs and

2.

PsychotropicSubstances in India (2nd India (2nd ed. Capital Law House, Delhi 2007) 3.

2 Dr. V. Kesava Rao, Sir John Woodroffe & Syed Ameer Ali’s Law Of Evidence (18th ed. Lexis Nexis Butterworths Wadhwa, Ngpur 2008)

4.

Justice C.K. Thakker, Law Thakker, Law of Evidence (2nd Evidence (2nd ed.Whytes& Co., New Delhi 2015)

5.

K.P. Kataria, Law Kataria, Law Relating to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in India (3rd India (3rd ed. Orient Publishing Co., New Delhi 2010)

6.

Sir John Woodroff, Code of Criminal Procedure (3rd Procedure (3rd ed. Law Publishers Pvt. Ltd., Allahabad 2009)

STATUTES REFERRED: S. NO.

NAME OF THE STATUTE

1.

THE I NDIAN EVIDENCE ACT, 1872

2.

NARCOTIC DRUGS A ND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ACT, 1985

3.

THE CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, 1973

ULES R EFERRED EFERRED: R ULES

S. NO. 1.

ULE NAME OF THE R ULE

ULES, 1934 PUNJAB POLICE R ULES


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NCB I NSTRUCTIONS

2.

EFERRED: JOURNAL R EFERRED

S. NO. 1.

NAME OF THE JOURNAL ONVICTION SHRIYA GAUBA, P REVIOUS C ONVICTION , CRIMINAL LAW JOURNAL, MARCH,

2015, 11.

EFERRED: WEBSITES R EFERRED

S.NO.

NAME OF THE WEBSITE

1.

www.airwebworld.com

2.

www.judis.nic.in

3.

www.manupatra.com

4.

www.scconline.com

EFERRED: WEB LINKS R EFERRED

S. NO. 1.

NAME OF THE WEBLINK

Decision making in criminal cases by trial courts - factors leading to prejudice: a functional study (March study (March 7, 2016) available at: http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/12751/13/13_chapter%204%2 0%20part%202.pdf.

2.

Distance between Patiala Nabha Rd . (March 6, 2016) available at: http://distancecalculator.globefeed.com/India_Distance_Result.asp?state=23&fro mplace=Patiala Nabha%20Road%2C%20Rauni%2C%20Punjab%2C Nabha%20Road%2C%20 Rauni%2C%20Punjab%2C%20India&toplace=Patiala %20India&toplace=Patiala %2C%20Punjab%2C%20India%2C&dt1=EihQYXRp %2C%20Punjab%2C%20India%2C&dt1=EihQYXRpYWxhLU5hYmh YWxhLU5hYmhhIFJvY hIFJvY


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WQsIFJhdW5pLCBQdW5qYWIsIEluZGlh&dt2=ChIJ3xMzWpMoEDkRf7yQO 61WvNU.

EFERRED: CASES R EFERRED

S. NO.

CASE NAME

CITATION

PG. NO.

Ajay Malik and others v. State of U.T.,

2009(3) R.C.R.

27

Chandigarh

(Criminal) 649

2.

Ajaya Kumar Naik v State of Orissa

1995 Cri.L.J. 82

20

3.

Ajmer Singh V. State of Haryana Haryana

(2010) 3 S.C.C. 746

25

4.

AsharfiChoudhary v. The State of Bihar Bihar

2013 Cri.L.J. 1176

18

5.

Ashok @ Dangra Jaiswal v. State State of M.P.

A.I.R.2011S.C.1335

26

6.

Ashok Kumar Sharma v. State of Rajasthan

(2013) 2 S.C.C. 67

30

7.

Babu Lal v State

A.I.R. 1960 All. 290

33

8.

Balwinder Singh v. State of Punjab Punjab

2014(2)R.C.R.

17

1.

(Criminal)568 9.

Dillip Kumar Sabat vs State of Orissa

2015 Cri. L. J. 543

21

(Ori.) 10.

Ghisulal v State of Madhya Pradesh

1977 Cri.L.J. 88

33

11.

Himanshu @ Chintu v. State State (N.C.T. of Delhi)

(2011) 2 S.C.C. 36

26

12.

Jagdesh v State of Madhya Pradesh Pradesh

1981 S.C.C. (Cr.)

23

676 13.

JinabhaiKalabhai Rajput Rajput v. State of Gujarat

1998 Drug Cases

17

388 (D.B.) 14.

Jitendra and another v. State of MP

2004 (1) E.F.R. 22

27

15.

Joseph Fernandez v. State of Goa

(2000) 1 S.C.C. 707

32

16.

Kalekhan v. State of M.P.

1990Cri.L.J.1119

16

17.

Karnail Singh v State of Rajasthan Rajasthan

2000Cri.L.J.4635

20

18.

Kesharimal R. Mahajan vs State of MP MP

2007 Cri. L. J.

27

(N.O.C.) 696 (M.P.) 19.

Krishnapal Singh vs State of Madhya Madhya Pradesh

2012 Cri. L. J. 2991

19

(Chh) 20.

MaibamBirahari v. Manipur Administration Administration

A.I.R. 1967 Mani 41


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21.

Makhan Singh v. State State of Haryana

2015 Cri.L.J. 3282

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16, 26

S.C. 22.

Mohammed Salim Salim Mohammed Issak Shaikh v.

2000 Vol. 102(2)

State of Maharashtra

Bombay L.R. 243

Maharashtra 23. Murlidhar Yadav Patil v State of Maharashtra

1978(80)BOM.L.R.

28

35

90 24.

Prabha Shankar Dubey Dubey v. State of M.P.,

(2004) 2 S.C.C. 56

32

25.

Pratap v. State of U.P.

A.I.R. 1976 S.C. 966

24

26.

Raghbir Singh and Anr. v. State of Punjab

2008(1)R.C.R.(Cr.)

19

510 27.

Ramjan vs State of U.P.

2011 (1) A.L.J. 581

23, 25

28.

Rishi Dev @ Onkar Singh vs State (Delhi

Crl. M (B) A. No.

18

Admn.)

799/2007

29.

Sajjan Sharma v State of Bihar

A.I.R. 2011 S.C. 632

32

30.

Sant Singh v. State of Punjab

2010Cri.L.J. 4129

18

31.

Srikandaraja v. State

2014-2-

34

L.W.(Cri.)515 State of Gujarat v. KumuchandraPranjivan KumuchandraPranjivan

1997 S.C.C. (Cri.)

Shah

750

State of Himachal Pradesh vs Mukesh Kumar

2015 Cri. L. J.

and another

(N.O.C.) 105 (H.P.)

34.

State of Kerala v. Shijil

2011 (1) K.L.J. 447

34

35.

State of Punjab v. Baldev Singh

A.I.R. 1999 S.C.

30, 31

32.

33.

28

15

2378 36.

State of Punjab v. Nachhattar Singh @ Bania

2007(3)R.C.R.(Cri.)

15

1040 37.

Suresh and Ors vs State of Madhya Pradesh

2013 Cri.L.J. 474

32

(S.C.) 38.

Umer Saheb Burai Saheb Inamdar v. State

1960 Cri.L.J. 573

35

39.

Valsala v. State of Kerala

A.I.R. 1994 SC 117

18

40.

Vijaysinh Chandubha Jadeja v. State of

(2011) 1 S.C.C. 609

30, 31

Gujarat


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STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION The Appellants approach the Hon’ble Hon’ble High Court of Punjab and Haryana under § 36B1 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Ps ychotropic Act, 1985 which deals with appeal from Special Court r/w § 374(2) 2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 which deals with appeal against conviction.

1

36B. Appeal and revision.The High Court may exercise, so far as may be applicable, all the powers conferred by Chapters XXIX and XXX of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), on a High Court, as if a Special Court within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the High Court were a Court of Session trying cases within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the High Court. 2 374. Appeals from convictions. (1) Any person convicted on a trial held by a High Court in its extraordinary original criminal jurisdiction may appeal to the Supreme Court. (2) Any person convicted on a trial held by a Sessions Judge or an Additional Sessions Judge or on a trial held by any other Court in which a sentence of i mprisonment for more than seven years has been passed against him or against any other person convicted at the same trial; may appeal to the High Court. (3) Save as otherwise provided in sub-§ (2), any person,(a) convicted on a trial held by a Metropolitan Magistrate or Assistant Sessions Judge or Magistrate of the first class or of the second class, or (b) sentenced under § 325, or (c) in respect of whom an order has been made or a sentence has been passed under § 360 by any Magistrate, may appeal to the Court of Session.


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STATEMENT OF FACTS

I. TRIAL AND APPEAL

1. Satnam Singh, Balbir Singh and Kuldeep Kaur were tried by the Special Court for offences under NDPS Act, 1985. As a result, Satnam Singh and Balbir Singh were convicted and Kuldeep Kaur was acquitted. Dissatisfied by the decision of the trial court, both the convicts have preferred an appeal in the Punjab Punjab and Haryana High Court. II. PROSECUTION VERSION AT THE TRIAL

2. Both the Appellants were halted at Naka at around 7:30 p.m. on 8 th of January for the search of the vehicle. Satnam Singh hesitated for the search. Nevertheless, the search was conducted and a bag was found in the rear of the car. The search of the bag was conducted in the presence of two independent witnesses, Deena Nath and Sardul Singh, from which 1950 grams of opium was found. Satnam Singh ran away from the spot. Thereafter, personal search of Balbir Singh was conducted after giving him a due option of being searched in front of Magistrate or Gazetted Officer. He submitted to search by police officer. 80 grams of opium was found found from him too. 3. All the material was taken to the police station and the matter was reported to the SHO. FIR was registered in the morning of 9 th of January. Satnam Singh was arrested from his home. The seized material was sent to FSL for examination. After due investigation and interrogation, police report was filed under § 173(2) of CrPC. Trial was commenced and prosecution tried to base its case by examining its witnesses, submitting the reports of


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FSL, submitting the ownership proof of vehicle in the name of Kuldeep Kaur and tendering the copy of judgment regarding the previous conviction of Balbir Singh in 2005. Examination of all the accused was also done u/s 313 of CrPC. III. DEFENCE VERSION AT THE TRIAL

4. The defence pleaded that the accused have been falsely implicated. As there was a dispute between Satnam Singh and one Shamsher Singh regarding boundary wall, which Shamsher Singh encroached upon taking benefit of his absence. He was a person with influential links. 5. Satnam Singh went to the police station to report about the said incident. His complaint was marked by SHO to SI Hakam Singh. He asked Satnam Singh to meet him at the Naka Duty in the evening. When he actually went there, he was taken to the police station and was put in lock up. 6. Sardul Singh deposed on behalf of the defence and said that he did not witness any search and his signatures on some papers were taken on the next day. 7. Defence pleaded that Deena Nath is a gambler and a stooge of police. It also pleaded that Hakam Singh was out to favour Shamsher Singh. IV. DECISION OF SPECIAL COURT

8. The Special Court, after considering all the material on record, convicted Satnam Singh and Balbir Singh of offences u/s 8(c) and 18(c). Balbir Singh was also convicted u/s 31 of NDPS Act, 1985. The court acquitted Kuldeep Kaur of all charges. MEMORANDUM ON BEHALF OF APPELLANTS

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ISSUES RAISED

THE APPELLANTS

RESPECTFULLY ASKS THE HON’BLE

PUNJAB & HARYANA HIGH COURT THE

FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

ISSUE-I

WHETHER R ESPONDENT ESPONDENT HAS PROVED ALLEGED OFFENCE AGAINST THE APPELLANTS?

ISSUE-II

WHETHER A NY FALSE CASE HAS BEEN IMPLICATED AGAINST THE APPELLANTS?

ISSUE-III

WHETHER THE PROCEDURE ALLEGED TO BE ADOPTED I N SEARCH A ND SEIZURE STANDS THE SCRUTINY OF LAW?

ISSUE-IV

WHETHER THE PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS U NDER § 50 OF NDPS ACT, 1985 HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH?

ISSUE-V

WHETHER THE E NHANCEMENT OF SENTENCE BASED O N PREVIOUS CONVICTION IS VALID?


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SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS

ISSUE-I

ESPONDENT HAS PROVED THE ALLEGED OFFENCE AGAINST THE APPELLANTS? WHETHER R ESPONDENT

It is submitted that all the necessary essentials to prove the offences under the NDPS Act have not been satisfied viz., presence, conscious possession and recovery of the contraband. Hence, the conviction of both the Appellants should be set aside and they should be set free at liberty. ISSUE-II

WHETHER A FALSE CASE HAS BEEN IMPLICATED AGAINST THE APPELLANTS?

It is submitted that a false case has been fabricated against the Appellants. There is an unexplained delay in filing the FIR sending the samples to FSL, Chandigarh, which creates a serious doubt of possible tampering. Moreover, there is a motive of enmity for Shamsher Singh to falsely implicate the Appellants. ISSUE-III

WHETHER THE PROCEDURE ALLEGED TO BE ADOPTED I N SEARCH A ND SEIZURE STANDS THE SCRUTINY OF LAW?

It is submitted that the procedure adopted does not stand the scrutiny of law as thestatement of the witness that has turned hostile cannot be discarded in toto. Secondly, the other witness is a stock witness. Lastly, even if the statement of both the witness is kept out of consideration then also, conviction cannot be based solely on official witnesses as they are also not reliable in the present case.


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ISSUE-IV

WHETHER THE PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS U NDER § 50 OF NDPS ACT, 1985 HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH?

It is submitted that the requirements under § 50 have not been complied with. The objective of § 50 is to avoid the planting of a false case. It is a mandatory provision, substantial compliance of which is not acceptable. In the light of various Supreme Court Judgments, it can be said that there is no compliance of § 50 in the present case and the Appellants should be acquitted. ISSUE-V

WHETHER THE E NHANCEMENT OF SENTENCE BASED O N PREVIOUS CONVICTION IS VALID?

It is submitted that the enhanced punishment should not be upheld as the Appellant-2 was caught by surprise due to non-framing of charge for enhanced punishment under § 31 of NDPS Act. Moreover, there was no proper evidence on record for the same. And the examination of the Appellant-2 under § 313 of CrPC regarding previous conviction shows that the learned Judge applied his judicial mind with a preconceived notion.


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ARGUMENTS ADVANCED ESPECTFULLY SHOWETH: MOST R ESPECTFULLY

I.

ESPONDENT HAS PROVED THE ALLEGED OFFENCE WHETHER R ESPONDENT

AGAINST THE APPELLANTS ?

A. THAT APPELLANTS HAVE EXPLAINED THE PRESENCE AT THE SPOT

1. It is humbly submitted that the Appellants have explained the purpose of visit and

presence at the spot 

Appellant 1: 1: That there was no one heeding to the complaint of the Appellant. He was left to his own resource after observing the indifferent attitude of the Police Official to his matter. He had to personally call up SI Hakam Singh to inquire and investigate into his matter. SI Hakam Singh laid down a trap to call him to a particular spot to meet him regarding the same.



Appellant 2: 2: That since Appellant-1 was exploiting all means possible to save his property from criminal trespass. He reposed trust upon Appellant-2, his brother-in-law that he will be in a better position to convey the hardship suffered by Appellant-1 so that Police Authorities may take the matter seriously. So, Appellant-2 accompanied Appellant-1 to the naka.

B. THAT THE PROSECUTION HAS NOT ESTABLISHED CONSCIOUS POSSESSION OF THE OPIUM 2. It is submitted that unlawful possession is sine qua non for conviction under the Act and

that fact has to be established by the prosecution beyond reasonable doubt. The prosecution has utterly failed f ailed to establish conscious consc ious possession possessi on of the appellants over the allegedly recovered opium. MEMORANDUM ON BEHALF OF APPELLANTS

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3

3. In a case , it has been held “Though possession has not been defined in the Act but has

been judicially construed to be conscious and intelligent possession and not merely the physical presence of the accused in proximity or even in close proximity of the object.” 4. The prosecution has proven no link of evidence to show that that the possession was in

conscious possession, mere factum of presence of the accused at the place of recovery does not prove that he was in possession of it, possession must be intelligent possession. 

Appellant 1: In a case4, where Police intercepted the vehicle which accused was driving and allegedly 850 gms of Charas was recovered from vehicle of accused. However, no clear, cogent, convincing and reliable piece of evidence on record to prove that accused were found in conscious and exclusive possession of contraband. It was held that acquittal of the accused is proper. In respect of contraband articles concealed in the body of the vehicle, the driver of the car cannot be ascribed with the possession of that article unless there are circumstances to show that he had knowledge of such concealment. 5



Appellant No. 2: It 2: It is humbly submitted that the prosecution has led no evidence to establish that Balbir Singh (Appellant No.2) was in ‘possession’ of the opium. Mere fact that he was sitting in the car does not go on to show that he was aware of any opium in the car. He was merely accompanying the other accused and all his statements go on to show that there was no ‘animus’ of possession on the opium found from the boot of the vehicle. In a case of 6 is notable in which the accused was found travelling in the car from which some quantity of opium has recovered. The court held that “A driver of a vehicle, is certainly in possession of the vehicle in question, but he cannot be said to be in possession of any article or thing concealed in

3

State of Punjab v. Nachhattar Singh @ Bania , 2007(3) R.C.R. (Criminal)1040. State of Himachal Pradesh vs Mukesh Kumar and another , another , 2015 Cri. L. J. (N.O.C.) 105 (H.P.) 5 Dibyajyoti De, Guide to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 343 Act 343 (Wadhwa & Co., Nagpur 2003). 6 Kalekhan v. State of M.P , 1990CriLJ1119. 4


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the body of the vehicle, unless there are circumstances indicating knowledge to the driver of such concealment. Thus, like a person in possession of land, does not become the possessor unless he is aware of its existence.” existence .”

ECOVERY HAS NOT BEEN SATISFACTORILY PROVED C. THAT THE R ECOVERY

5. It is submitted that the prosecution case has serious lacunae regarding the factum of

recovery of contraband from the accused. It is pertinent to note that the independent witness witness to the recovery has deposed in the Appellants’ favour, the other witness’ character has been called into serious question and his testimony is doubtful at best. The only remaining proof of recovery being the testimony of official witnesses. 7

6. In a case the independent witnesses to the recovery turned hostile and deposed in favour

of the defendant. The Hon’ble Supreme Court held that the lower courts had placed undue reliance on the testimony of official witnesses. In such circumstances, in Court’s view, the High Court ought not to have overlooked the testimony of independent witnesses, especially when it casts doubt on the recovery and the genuineness of the prosecution version. 7. In another case8, the independent witness to the search deposed in favour of the

defendant, and the court held that there was a material flaw in the prosecution case and the accused was entitled to benefit of doubt. D. THAT THERE IS NO CULPABLE STATE OF MIND 9

8. It has been held that only in the case where prosecution had led convincing evidence

regarding search and recovery from the exclusive possession of the accused then the presumption under § 35 35 and 54 of the Act can be drawn.

7

Makhan Singh v. State of Haryana, Haryana , 2015Cri.L.J.3282. Balwinder Singh v. State of Punjab, Punjab , 2014(2)R.C.R.(Criminal)568. 9 Jinabhai Kalabhai Rajput v. State of Gujarat , 1998 Drug Cases 388 (D.B.). 8


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9. In the instant case, since there are major missing gaps in the procedure of search and

recovery,

II.

no

presumption

regarding

culpable

state

of

mind

can

be

raised .

WHETHER APPELLANTS HAVE BEEN FALSELY IMPLICATED IN THE CASE? A. THAT THERE HAS BEEN INORDINATE AND UNEXPLAINED DELAY IN SENDING SAMPLES TO THE FSL

10. It is submitted that recovery of the opium has been planted on the Appellants. In

arguendo, while not conceding the fact that opium was recovered from the Appellants, there are serious doubts in the case of the Respondents which learned Special Court seems to have ignored. In the instant case that the recovery of the opium was affected from the appellants on the 8th January, 2015 whereas the samples were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory on the 26th of January, 2015. Thus, there has been a dela y of nearly 18 days in sending the samples for chemical examination. No explanation has been forthcoming from the prosecution to explain this delay. 11. It has been held10that as long as it is shown that the seized article has been kept in proper

custody and proper form during the period it was so kept in the malkhana, the delay in sending the sample for testing would not be fatal. However, there must be evidence to show as to what happened in the interregnum. This was stated to be an important link. 11

12. In a case , 5 kg. Ganja was seized from accused’s bag. Ganja was not weighed at time of

seizure, even then its weight was mentioned in memo. FSL received seized packet nearly after 15 days of seizure. No specimen impression of seal was mentioned in FSL report. Delay in delivering bag at FSL was unexplained. No evidence, explaining about custody

10

Valsala v. State of Kerala, Kerala , A.I.R. 1994 S.C. 117. Krishnapal Singh vs State of Madhya Pradesh, Pradesh , 2012 Cri. L. J. 2991 (Chh.).

11


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of seized bag during those 15 days was given. Malkhana register was not produced in evidence. Officer-in-charge of Malkhana, was not examined by prosecution. It was held that Prosecution has failed to prove charges. Accused entitled to acquittal. 13. There is a time limit of 72 hours stipulated by the Narcotics Control Bureau for a seized

sample to be deposited with the Chemical Examiner for testing. This rule is salutary because any attempt at tampering with the sample recovered from the accused can have fatal consequences to the case of the prosecution. Strict compliance has to be insisted upon in such an event. 12 13

14. In a case the accused was entitled to benefit of doubt and acquitted where there was a

delay of 12 days in sending the samples to the FSL and it was held “Once the testimony of police witnesses is held not reliable, the Court always looks for independent corroboration, non-sending of sample for a period of 12 days assumes importance. 14

15. In a case , the facts were silent as to sealing of contraband as well as sample after seizure

and there was a delay of more than one month in dispatch of the samples from the contraband seized to the Forensic Science Laboratory. Due to non-explanation of delay by Officer in-charge of Police Station , the accused was given the benefit of doubt. doubt... 16. In Raghbir In Raghbir Singh and Another v. State of Punjab 15 the following observations were made

“The prosecution, when it seizes the samples and retrieves the case property of a contraband, has to accord due sanctity to the same by preserving them in a manner that when it is tested against its version, the same are not found wanting. The punishment under the provisions of the Act is stringent and, therefore, the safe-guards, which have been prescribed and encapsulated in it, require strict adherence, the failure to do so

12

Rishi Dev @ Onkar Singh vs State (Delhi Admn.), Admn.) , Crl. M (B) A. No. 799/2007. Sant Singh v. State of Punjab , 2010 Cri.L.J.4129. 14 Asharfi Choudhary v. The State of Bihar , , 2013Cri.L.J.1176. 15 2008(1)R.C.R.(Criminal)510. 13


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causes sufficient doubt and the benefit of the same necessarily has to go to the accused persons.” 17. It is humbly submitted that it is not clear as to how the seized contraband was handled

during the period between 08.01.2015-26.01.2015. It is also not clear that by whom the samples were delivered to FSL on the day of 26 January, 2015 which is a national holiday. Thus, any benefit of doubt must go in favour of the accused as no explanation is forth-coming as far as the inordinate delay in the sending of samples is concerned.

EGARDING SAFE CUSTODY OF THE B. THAT THERE IS DEEP GAPING MISSING LINK R EGARDING

CONTRABAND 18. In the instant case, the vital link of evidence is missing as there is no convincing evidence

as to whose custody the seized articles were kept. It is not clear as to how the seized contraband was handled during the period between 08.01.2015 till 26.01.2015. It is also not clear from the evidence of the prosecution that the samples sent for chemical examination was taken from the contraband seized in presence of the appellant. 16

19. That there is clear violation of § 55 of NDPS Act which mandates an officer in-charge

of the police station to take charge and keep in safe custody of articles seized under the Act which may be delivered to him and to affix his seal to such articles or to take samples and all samples so taken shall also be sealed with a seal of the Officer-in- charge of the police station. In the case17, In-charge of the Police Station had not affixed his seal on the articles and the samples, the whole of the procedure followed was held to be illegal, entitling the appellant to be acquitted.

16

An officer-in-charge of a police station shall take charge of and keep in sage custody, pending the orders of the Magistrate, all articles seized under this Act within the local area of that police station and which may be delivered to him, and shall allow any officer who may accompany such articles to the police station or who may be deputed for the purpose, to affix his seal to such articles or to take s amples of and from them and all samples so taken shall also be sealed with a seal of the officer-in-charge of the police station. 17 Karnail Singh v State of Rajasthan, Rajasthan , 2000Cri.L.J.4635.


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18

20. It has been held that the incriminating materials recovered from the accused and duly

identified during the proceeding go a long way in connecting the accused in the case. Therefore, it is all the more necessary and imperative on the part of the investigating team to seal it in such a manner and keep it in in such custody so as to wipe out the slightest doubt in the mind of the Court that there could not have been any possibility whatsoever that the article so seized seiz ed could be tampered with before it could reach the public analyst. 21. In the instant case the facts are hushed about the fact of sealing of the seized contraband.

Moreover, Inspector Joginder Singh, Station House Officer of the Central Police Station, Patiala has not been made as a witness to explain the safe custody of the seized contraband. In a case19 where the Circle Inspector of the Police has maintained total silence as to where those contraband items said to have been seized in the case were kept till their production in Court, it has been held that it is the burden of the prosecution to prove that the seized articles arti cles were sent for chemical analysis by adducing unimpeachable evidence that there was no chance of tampering with the packets by the investigating or any third agency and the same were the vary articles produced before the Magistrate and sent for chemical analysis, leaving no scope of suspicion. Criminal trial does not admit any gap or missing link. 22. It has been held that where the prosecution evidence is silent that any effective step was

taken for proper custody of the seized article and the same was sent after delay of 43 days, the benefit of doubt must be extended to the accused. 20 23. It is submitted that whole of the prosecution case is barren regarding the fact of safe

custody of the seized article, therefore adverse presumption needs to be drawn against the Respondents under § 114, illustration (g) 21 as when evidence about the particular facts

18

Ajaya Kumar Naik v State of Orissa, Orissa, 1995 Cri.L.J. 82. Dillip Kumar Sabat vs State of Orissa,2015 Orissa ,2015 Cri. L. J. 543 (ORISSA HIGH COURT) 20 Dibyajyoti De, Guide to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 701 Act 701 (Wadhwa& Co., Nagpur 2003). 21 Indian Evidence Act, 1872. 19


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was within the knowledge of the person and that person has not placed it before the assessing authority, it is likely that such evidence has been produced it would have gone against him.22 When the person withholds relevant documents in the possession, the court must not hesitate to draw an adverse to it. 23

C. THAT DELAY IN F.I.R. CREATES A SERIOUS DOUBT ON THE STORY OF PROSECUTION 24. In the instant case there has been delay of nearly 15 hours. In the light of the totality of

the evidence, the court of fact has to consider the delay in lodging the report, adversely affects the case of the prosecution as the police party has got sufficient time to concoct a plot and embellish it with simulated story. The distance between starting point of Patiala Nabha Road and Patiala is 5.7 kms.24 The burden of proof lies on Respondent to give necessary explanation for the inordinate delay. 25

25. In a case it was contended that inordinate and unexplained delay of more than twenty

hours in lodging the first information report although the distance between the place of occurrence and the police station is less than seven kms., gives rise to a very strong presumption that the appellant was neither arrested at the place or in the manner as alleged by the prosecution nor any recovery was made from him at the place indicated in the recovery memo and the applicant has falsely been implicated. The Court affirmed the view that unexplained delay of more than twenty hours in lodging the first information report further strengthens the suspicion that the applicant has falsely been implicated in the present case.

22

Justice C.K. Thakker, Law Thakker, Law of Evidence 1998 Evidence 1998 (2nd ed.Whytes& Co., New Delhi 2015). Ibid. 24 Distance between Patiala Nabha Rd . (March 6, 2016) available at: http://distancecalculator.globefeed.com/India_Distance_Result.asp?state=23&fromplace=Patiala Nabha%20Road%2C%20Rauni%2C%20Punjab%2C%20India&toplace=Patiala%2C%20Pun Nabha%20Road%2C%20Rauni%2C% 20Punjab%2C%20India&toplace=Patiala%2C%20Punjab%2C%20India jab%2C%20India %2C&dt1=EihQYXRpYWxhLU5hYmhhIFJvYWQsIFJhdW5pLCBQdW5qYWIsIEluZGlh&dt2=ChIJ3xMzW pMoEDkRf7yQO61WvNU. 25 Ramjan vs State of U.P., U.P., 2011 (1) A.L.J. 581. 23


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D. THAT THERE IS PRESENCE OF MOTIVE TO FALSELY IMPLICATE THE APPELLANTS 26. It is humbly submitted that motive is the emotion which impels a man to do a particular

act. Such impelling cause need not necessarily be proportionally grave to do grave crimes. No proof can be expected in all the cases as to how the mind of the person worked in a particular situation. 26 27. If there be any motive, which can be assigned, the adequacy of that motive is not, in all

cases necessary. Motive for a crime is not always visible, except to the person influenced by it. The experience shows that t hat some of the gravest and the most atrocious crimes have been committed from some of the flimsiest and most frivolous considerations.27 28. In the instant case, it is humbly submitted that the entire case has been fabricated by the

prosecution and that Appellants have been falsely implicated in the case. They are the victims of a conspiracy hatched against them because of a dispute between Appellant-1 and one Shamsher Singh, an influential person with political links, who has taken advantage of the Appellant’s Appellant’ s absence when he was on vacation to Rajasthan and has encroached upon part of the land of the house owned by Appellant (House no. 789, Green Avenue, Patiala). To this effect, D.W. 2 Harnam Singh has deposed the fact of the said encroachment. 29. Moreover, the appellant even went to complain against Shamsher Singh on 8th January,

2015 at about 10:00am. Joginder Singh, Station House Officer of the Central Police Station, for reasons best known to him marked it as complaint instead of registering an F.I.R. for offence of criminal trespass, marked the complaint to Sub-Inspector Hakam Singh (P.W.-3).

26

1 Dr. V. Kesava Rao, Sir John Woodroffe& Syed Ameer Ali’s Law Of Evidence 855 (18th ed. Lexis Nexis Butterworths Wadhwa, Ngpur 2008). 27 Jagdesh v State of Madhya Pradesh, Pradesh , 1981 S.C.C. (Cr.) 676.


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30. It has been held that the accused is not bound to prove his defence to the hilt, like the

prosecution. It is sufficient if it is possible to indicate preponderance of probability28. Such defence may be proved by cross examination of prosecution witnesses or by examination of defence witness. The burden on accused is not as onerous as that which lies on the prosecution. While the prosecution is required to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, the accused can discharge his onus by establishing a mere preponderance of probability probability 29. 31. Hence, the fact that there existed a prior dispute and there is a possibility of nexus

between Shamsher Singh and Sub-Inpector, Hakam Singh (PW-3) creates a suspicion regarding authenticity of the recovery.

III.

WHETHER PROCEDURE ALLEGED TO BE ADOPTED DURING SEARCH AND SEIZURE STANDS THE SCRUTINY OF LAW?

A. THAT THE PROSECUTION HAS FAILED TO ASSOCIATE INDEPENDENT WITNESSES TO THE SEARCH 32. The Apex Court has observed in a case 30 where no witnesses were associated despite

availability and that there is no iota of evidence that prosecution has at all bothered to make an endeavour to associate independent witness. Such, non-association of the independent witness makes the prosecution case doubtful. 33. It is humbly submitted that Police party instead of making any effort to arrange any

independent witnesses, directly called on phone Deena Nath to witness the proceeding. They have never attempted to associate any independent witnesses. Even if by a stretch of

28

Maibam Birahari v. Manipur Administration, Administration, A.I.R. 1967 Mani 41. Pratap v. State of U.P., U.P. , A.I.R. 1976 S.C. 966. 30 Ajmer Singh V. State of Haryana, Haryana , (2010) 3 S.C.C. 746. 29


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speculation, we believe that they made an effort for the same, there is no evidence on record fortifying this assertion. 34. In a case31 where the independent witnesses were not associated and explanation for the

said omission was by saying that several passersby were stopped but they refused to be witnesses of the recovery. It was held that it is strange that the empowered officer did not make any effort to note down the names and addresses of the persons whom he approached for witnessing the recovery. This omission on the part of the empowered officer has further rendered the prosecution case extremely doubtful. § 100(8) of Cr.P.C.32empowers the police officer to make a written order to the witnesses for witnessing

a

search.

EJECTED IN TOTO B. THAT EVIDENCE OF HOSTILE WITNESS CANNOT BE R EJECTED

35. The law regarding hostile witness can be summarized to the effect that the evidence of a

hostile witness cannot be discarded as a whole, and relevant parts thereof which are admissible in law, can be used by the prosecution or the defence. 33 Therefore, the entire evidence should not be brushed aside. 36. In the instant case DW-1 who has been declared hostile by prosecution, has deposed

before the trial court that he had not witnessed any search or seizure at police Naka on Patiala-Nabha Road on 8th January 2015. But police got his signatures on some papers, on 9th January 2015 by calling him at Central Police Station, Patiala. He did not know what was written on those papers. 37. It is humbly submitted that it is not an uncommon phenomenon in criminal trials,

particularly in cases relating to NDPS that the seizure witnesses have turned hostile but 31

Ramjan vs State of U.P., U.P., 2011 (1) A.L.J. 581. Section 100(8): Any person who, without reasonable cause, refuses or neglects to attend and witness a search under this §, when called upon to do so by an order in writing delivered or tendered to him, shall be deemed to have committed an offence under § 187 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 186 0 ). 33 Himanshu @ Chintu v. State (N.C.T. of Delhi) Delhi),, (2011) 2 S.C.C. 36. 32


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there are some other circumstances which, when taken together, make it very unsafe to uphold the Appellant's conviction. 34 38. In a case35 in which one witness was declared hostile and other was examined as defence

witness, for recording the conviction, the Sessions Court as well as the High Court mainly relied on the testimony of official witnesses wit nesses who made the recovery. The Apex Court held that though it is well settled that a conviction can be based solely on the testimony of official witnesses, condition precedent is that the evidence of such official witnesses must inspire confidence. In the present case, it is not as if independent witnesses were not available. In our considered view, the manner in which the alleged recovery has been made does not inspire confidence and undue credence has been given to the testimony of official witnesses, who are generally interested in securing the conviction. 36

39. In a case , where both the independent witnesses were declared hostile by prosecution. It

was held that independent corroboration appears to be necessary to hold the, appellants/accused guilty for possession of the aforesaid contraband article. Similarly in the case37, Apex Court held that the evidence to prove that charas and ganja were recovered from the possession of accused consisted of the evidence of the police officers and the panch witnesses. The panch witnesses turned hostile. Thus, we find that there is no independent witness as to the recovery of the drugs from the possession of accused.

C. THAT EVIDENCE OF A STOCK WITNESS IS UNWORTHY OF CREDIT 40. It is humbly submitted that Deena Nath (P.W.-1) is admittedly a stock witness who has

remained a witness in many other cases at the behest of the police. His character has also been called into question as he is a gambler. It is also an admitted fact by the prosecution

34

Ashok @ Dangra Jaiswal v. State of M.P., M.P. , A.I.R.2011S.C.1335. Makhan Singh vs State of Haryana, Haryana , 2015 Cri. L. J. 3282 (S.C.). 36 Kesharimal R. Mahajan vs State of Madhya Pradesh, Pradesh , 2007 Cri. L. J. (N.O.C.) 696 (M.P.). 37 Jitendra and another v. State of Madhya Pradesh, Pradesh , 2004 (1) E.F.R. 22. 35


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that Deena Nath had been called on the phone by the police party. Therefore, a prior nexus between the police and the witness has been established at trial. In light of this he can neither be called as independent nor respectabl e. 38

41. It has been held in a case that the prosecution story cannot stick upon the versions of

person having fragile character. A character. A case that is brought by the police before Court cannot be sustained by mere evidence of the police personnel themselves. If the version of the police has to be believed, it i t has to be supported by persons who have no nexus with the t he police for wrong reasons and who are respected in the society societ y by their conduct, calling call ing or avocation. 42. In a case39 where the judgment of the High Court was affirmed by the Apex Court it was

held that it was established by cogent evidence that he had acted in a number of cases as a panch witness and there were good reasons to believe that he was a pliable witness not worthy of evidence. So far as the police witness is concerned, the High Court has also held by indicating that the police officer initially did not speak out the truth and tried to suppress that the said panch witness had acted as panch witness in earlier cases. Considering the aforesaid fact the High Court was of the view that the said witnesses did not appear to be reliable and reliance should not be placed on their deposition. Accordingly, the High Court was of the view that the prosecution had failed to establish the case beyond reasonable doubt and passed the aforesaid judgment acquitting the respondent. D. THAT TESTIMONY OF OFFICIAL WITNESS IS AFTER CONSULTATION AND DELIBERATION

43. It is humbly submitted that the testimonies of the official witnesses are ridden with the

vice of embellishments and improvements. In the case40 where proof of the prosecution case was sustained on the strength of the unblemished testimonies of the police witnesses 38

Ajay Malik and others v. State of U.T., Chandigarh, Chandigarh , 2009(3) R.C.R.(Criminal) 649. State of Gujarat v. Kumuchandra Pranjivan Shah , (1997 SCC (Cri) 750). 40 Ibid 39


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and their testimonies inter search were not ingrained with any vice of contradiction. To give credence to their case they associated a witness who was an invented witness known to the police officers beforehand. It was held that with the Investigating Officer having invented an independent witness to the apposite proceedings besides fillips the sequel of his intending to smother the truth qua the genesis of the prosecution version, naturally a smothered version qua the genesis of the prosecution case cannot be foisted with any veracity. Omission on the part of the Investigating Officer to associate them in the apposite proceedings would be construable to be an intentional and deliberate omission on his part, casting aspersions upon the transparency of the investigation carried out by him, rendering amenable to disbelief the genesis of the prosecution version.

IV.

WHETHER THE PROCEDURE ALLEGED TO BE ADOPTED IN SEARCH AND SEIZURE SATISFIES THE SAFEGUARDS PROVIDED UNDER § 50 OF THE NDPS ACT, 1985?

44. It is humbly submitted that no information as to the existence of any right under § 50

NDPS Act was conveyed to the Appellant-2 and the alleged contraband was planted on him. In arguendo while not conceding the fact Appellant-2 was informed of any right, it is submitted that the procedure alleged to be adopted by the Respondent does not satisfy the safeguards as provided under § 50 41 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 which deals with the conditions under which search of persons shall be conducted . Right under § 50(1) of the NDPS Act, is a safeguard that has been conferred

41

§50:(1) When any officer duly authorised under § 42 is about to search any person under the provisions of § 41, § 42 or § 43, he shall, if such person so requires, take such person without unnecessary delay to the nearest Gazetted Officer of any of the departments mentioned in § 42 or to the nearest Magistrate. (2) If such requisition is made, the officer may detain the person until he can bring him before the Gazetted Officer or the Magistrate referred to in sub§ (1).


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on the suspect to check the misuse of power, to avoid harm to innocent persons and to minimise the allegations of planting or foisting of false cases by the law enforcement agencies.42

A. THAT THE MANDATORY PROVISION HAS NOT BEEN COMPLIED WITH 45. It humbly submitted before the court that the provisions of this Section have been held to

be mandatory in nature and strict compliance thereof is required. In Vijaysinh Chandubha Jadeja v. State of Gujarat 43, the question before the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court was, “whether “whether a mere enquiry by the said officer as to whether the suspect would like to be searched in the presence of a Magistrate or a Gazetted Officer can be said to be due compliance with the mandate of the said Section? ”. The The Apex Court has held, “We “ We have no hesitation in holding that in so far as the obligation of the authorized officer under sub-§ (1) of § 50 of the NDPS Act is concerned, it is mandatory and requires a strict compliance. The concept of "substantial compliance" with the requirement r equirement of § 50 of the NDPS Act introduced and read into the mandate of the said § is neither borne out from the language of sub-section (1) of § 50 nor it is in consonance with the dictum laid down in Baldev Singh's case .” 46. Substantial compliance is not sufficient and strict compliance is required as had been held

in the case44 where the accused was told that he could be searched before any Gazzetted Officer or any Magistrate if he so wished. The Court held that the fact that the accused person has a right under § 50 of the NDPS Act to be searched before a Gazetted Officer or a Magistrate was not made known to him. 47. In the instant factual matrix, the exact words used by the police authorities were "Do you

agree to be searched here otherwise we will take you to the Gazetted Officer or the 42

Vijaysinh Chandubha Jadeja v. State of Gujarat , Gujarat , (2011) 1 S.C.C. 609. (2011) 1 S.C.C. 609. 44 Ashok Kumar Sharma v. State of Rajasthan, Rajasthan , (2013) 2 S.C.C. 67. 43


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Magistrate?" These words clearly indicate that the requirements of § 50 have not been complied with. The accused was merely given an option in the alternative without informing him that he has a right to make a choice to get his personal search from either of them.

ECOVERY B. THAT NON-COMPLIANCE OF THE PROVISION VITIATES THE R ECOVERY

48. It is humbly submitted that the effect of non-compliance of the mandatory provisions

casts serious aspersions on the recovery itself and any sentence or finding based on the recovery is bad and unsustainable in law. In State of Punjab v. Baldev Singh45 , it was observed “That failure to inform the person concerned about the existence of his right to be searched before a goods Gazetted Officer or a Magistrate would cause prejudice to an accused. It would render the recovery of the illicit article suspect and vitiate the conviction and sentence of an accused, where the conviction has been recorded only on the basis of the possession of the illicit article, recovered from his person, during a search conducted in violation of the provisions of § 50 of the Act.” 46 . 47

48

49. In a case , many cases were discussed where only option was given to the accused to

be searched in the presence of a Gazetted Gaz etted Officer or a Magistrate, without informing him of his right. It was held that substantial compliance is not acceptable. § 50 make it imperative for police officer to inform suspect of his right to be searched before Gazetted officer or Magistrate. Failure to so inform vitiates conviction and sentence. 50. Thus, even if the prosecution’s story is considered the recovery of the contraband on the

person of Appellant-2 is vitiated in view of non-compliance with § 50 50 giving rise to grave 45

(1999) 6 S.C.C. 172. Vijaysinh Chandubha Jadeja v. State of Gujarat , , (2011) 1 S.C.C. 609. 47 Suresh and Ors vs State of Madhya Pradesh , 2013 Cri. L. J. 474 (S.C.). 48 Joseph Fernandez v. State of Goa, Goa , (2000) 1 S.C.C. 707 ; Prabha Shankar Dubey v. State of M.P., (2004) M.P., (2004) 2 S.C.C. 56. 46


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doubts on the recovery of the contraband from the car. When considering all attending circumstances it further lends credence to the contention that the Appellants have been falsely implicated in the case.

V.

WHETHER FACTUM OF PREVIOUS CONVICTION IS TAKEN WITHOUT ECORD? FRAMING CHARGES AND HAVING PROPER EVIDENCE ON R ECORD

51. NDPS Act is a substantive law defining the offences and the procedural law is defined

only to a limited extent and hence, in cases where the procedure is not given in NDPS Act, the procedure given in CrPC should be followed as it is a general law relating to the procedure that should be followed in criminal cases. 52. It is humbly submitted that framing of charges and examination of the accused under §

313 CrPC are the very important stages in the criminal trial. 49 The basic requirement in every criminal trial therefore, is that the charge must be so framed as to give the accused person a fairly reasonable idea as to the case which he is to face and the validity of the charge must in each case, be determined.

A. THAT NON-FRAMING OF CHARGE HAS CAUSED PREJUDICE TO THE ACCUSED 53. The object of framing a charge is to enable an accused to have a clear idea of what he is

being tried for and of the essential facts that he has to meet. The accused is entitled to know with certainty and accuracy, the exact nature of the charge against him, and unless he has such knowledge, his defence will be prejudiced. The test for prejudice is whether

49

Sajjan Sharma v State of Bihar , AIR 2011 SC 632.


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the accused is likely to lose an opportunity to show to the court that he is not liable to face the trial on account of there being no evidence against him, cannot be ignored.50 54. It is humbly submitted that framing of charge is not a mere formality and a defective

charge may have serious repercussions on the ultimate result of a case. 51 Where the omission to frame the charge is conscious, the omission cannot be availed of by the prosecution in its favour for the application of § 464 464 (§ 535 old) of the Code. Code. 52 53

55. In a case where no specific charge under § 31 NDPS Act was framed and none of

modes provided under § 298 of Code of Criminal Procedure had been followed except stating that he was convicted in C.C. No. 236/1993 and sentenced to undergo 10 years rigorous imprisonment and to pay a fine of Rs. 1 lakh. It was argued on behalf of the prosecution that since evidence has to be adduced only after the subsequent offence is proved; therefore they must be allowed to lead fresh evidence to prove the same. However,

it

was

held

that

the

accused

shall

be

released

forthwith.

B. THAT IDENTITY OF THE ACCUSED HAS NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED 56. It is humbly submitted that the fact of previous conviction has been taken into

consideration by learned Special Court Judge without satisfying the procedural requirements under § 298 CrPC 54

50

Decision making in criminal cases by trial courts - factors l eading to prejudice: a functional study ( March 7, 2016) available at: http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/12751/13/13_chapter%204%20%20part%202.pdf. 51 2 Dr. V. Kesava Rao, Sir John Woodroffe& Syed Ameer Ali’s Law Of Evidence 1262 (18th ed. Lexis Nexis Butterworths Wadhwa, Ngpur 2008). 52 Babu Lal v State, State, AIR 1960 All. 290. 53 Ghisulal v State of Madhya Pradesh , 1977 Cri.L.J. 88 . 54 § 298.Previous conviction or acquittal how proved.--In any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Code, a previous conviction or acquittal may be proved, in addition to any other mode provided by any law for the time being in force,-(a) by an extract certified under the hand of the officer having the custody of the records of the Court in which such conviction or acquittal was held to be a copy of the sentence or order, or (b) in case of a conviction, either by a certificate signed by the officer in charge of the jail in which the punishment or any part thereof was undergone, or by production of the warrant of commitment under which the punishment was suffered together with, in each of such s uch cases evidence as to the identity of the accused person with the person so convicted or acquitted.


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57. In the present factual matrix neither documents have been submitted as provided by §

298, nor has the identity of the accused been established. Although a copy of some judgement was submitted but it was not marked in evidence for some unknown reasons know best the learned Special Court Judge. 55

58. In the case of State of Kerala v. Shijil where certain certified copy of the judgment which

was marked, were produced. But none of the documents produced contain a certificate signed by the officer in charge of the jail in which the punishment or any part thereof was undergone or the punishment suffered. Adding to the above, no evidence was let in to bring on record to establish the t he identity of accused. Neither those documents were proved by any other mode provided by any law as stipulated s tipulated in Sec. 298 Cr.PC. It was held that mere production of some certified copy would not meet the requirement of proof provided under Sec. 298 298 Cr.P.C. 59. In the instant case, neither were the proceeding carried out to establish the identity of the

Appellant-2 nor any evidence was produced on record to prove the identity of the Appellant-2 and therefore it cannot be the ground for an enhanced punishment under § 31 of the NDPS Act. 60. In another case Srikandaraja v. State 56 , where no specific charge was framed for the

offence under § 31 of NDPS Act and no evidence was let in to prove previous conviction except a copy of the judgment which was unmarked. It was held that the enhanced sentence imposed in lieu of § 31 be set aside as no identity was established of the Accused.

55

2011 (1) K.L.J. 447. 2014-2-L.W.(Crl.)515.

56


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EGARDING PREVIOUS CONVICTION C. THAT THERE IS FAILURE OF JUSTICE DUE TO QUESTION R EGARDING

61. In a case57 it was held that § 537(§ 464, new Code) does not cover in its sphere a trial

which is conducted in a manner different from that prescribed by the Code, where the procedure adopted by the Court is one which the Code positively prohibited and it was possible that it might have worked actual injustice to the accused, is not an irregularity or illegality contemplated under § 537. 62. It is humbly submitted that after framing of charge of previous conviction under § 211 (7)

of the Code, the Special Judge J udge has to follow the procedure laid down in § 236 of the Code of Criminal Procedure which provides that no that no such charge shall be read out by the Judge nor shall the accused be asked to lead thereto nor shall the previous conviction be referred to by the prosecution or in any evidence adduced by it, unless and until the accused has been convicted for subsequent offence. 63. It is humbly submitted that it is well settled that the questioning is for the purpose of

explaining circumstances appearing in the evidence already given. It follows, therefore that before the accused can be questioned, there should be some evidence concerning which he may be questioned and which connects him with the crime 58 64. It is no longer res integra that court in its examination under s.313 cannot question the

accused about a previous conviction before convicting him for the offence of which he is charged. The Court ought not to take any notice of such previous conviction while reaching the conclusion regarding his guilt. 59

57

Umer Saheb Burai Saheb Inamdar v. State , 1960 Cri. L.J. 573. Sir John Woodroff, Code of Criminal Procedure 1259 Procedure 1259 (3rd ed. Law Publishers Pvt. Ltd., Allahabad 2009). 59 Murlidhar Yadav Patil v State of Maharashtra, Maharashtra , 1978(80)BOM.L.R.90. 58


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PRAYER HEREFORE IN THE LIGHT OF THE ISSUES RAISED, ARGUMENT ADVANCED, REASONS GIVEN

W

AND AUTHORITIES CITED, THIS HON’BLE STATE COMMISSION MAY BE PLEASED TO:

TO HOLD 

IGHTLY APPRECIATED THE FACTS OF THE CASE WHERE THAT THE TRIAL COURT HAS NOT R IGHTLY

THE PROSECUTION HAS PROVED THE OFFENCES AGAINST THEM. 

THAT THE APPELLANTS HAVE BEEN FALSELY IMPLICATED I N THE CASE.



THAT THE PROCEDURE ALLEGED TO BE ADOPTED I N SEARCH A ND SEIZURE DOES NOT STAND THE SCRUTINY OF LAW.



THAT THE PROCEDURE ADOPTED DOES NOT SATISFY THE SAFEGUARDS PROVIDED U NDER S. 50 OF THE NDPS ACT, 1985.



THAT THE TRIAL COURT HAS TAKEN THE FACTUM OF PREVIOUS CONVICTION OF ECORD. APPELLANT-2 WITHOUT PROPER EVIDENCE O N R ECORD

TO PASS 

ELEASED FORTHWITH WITH COMPENSATION FOR ILLEGAL THAT APPELLANTS BE R ELEASED

DETENTION A ND FALSE IMPLICATION TO SET ASIDE



THE IMPUGNED JUDGMENT OF THE LEARNED SPECIAL COURT, PATIALA. MISCELLANEOUS

ELIEF THAT THIS HON’BLE COURT MAY BE PLEASED TO GRANT I N THE A ND A NY OTHER R ELIEF

I NTERESTS OF JUSTICE, EQUITY A ND GOOD CONSCIENCE. A LL OF WHICH IS RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED. COUNSELS FOR APPELLANTS


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