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1980 (2) TMI 96 - SC - CustomsWhether he burden of proving an innocent receipt of gold lay upon the appellant under Section 106, Evidence Act? Held that:- It is true that in the instant case the seizure was not made under Section 111 of the Customs Act and the prosecution could not press into service the presumption arising from Section 123 of the Customs Act, that does not clinch the issue. It is proved that the appellant was in possession of gold with foreign markings which was found to be in the shape of biscuits or bars kept in a secret chamber of the safe, and that the accused admitted that the gold was brought form outside the country and was given to him by somebody whose identity he was not prepared to disclose. Thus, the appellant knew as to who was the person who had given him the gold and if he also knew, as he says, that the gold was smuggled, he must have known whether the person who delivered the gold to him brought it under a permit or without any permit because at the time of the occurrence the import of gold was banned excepting under special circumstances. Having regard to the totality of the situation, there is no reason why the prosecution would not be entitled to call into aid the combined effect of the presumptions under Sections 106 and 114 of the Evidence Act. We are, therefore, satisfied that the prosecution has clearly proved the charge under Section 135(b)(ii) of the Customs Act. Appeal dismissed.
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