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2018 (8) TMI 962 - SC - Indian LawsSmuggling - carrying of contraband item - Opium - Section 18 of NDPS Act, 1985 - acquittal of accused - non-compliance of Section 50 of the NDPS Act - Held that:- The trial court held that the oral evidence regarding production of the case property before the Magistrate was not trustworthy and not acceptable. In the absence of the order of the Magistrate showing that the contraband seized from the accused was produced before the Magistrate, the oral evidence adduced that the contraband was produced before the Magistrate cannot form the basis to record the conviction - For proving the offence under the NDPS Act, it is necessary for the prosecution to establish that the quantity of the contraband goods allegedly seized from the possession of the accused and the best evidence would be the court records as to the production of the contraband before the Magistrate and deposit of the same before the Malkhana or the document showing destruction of the contraband. In an appeal against acquittal, the High Court will not interfere unless there are substantial and compelling reasons to reverse the order of acquittal. The mere fact that on reappreciation of evidence the appellate court is inclined to arrive at a conclusion which is at variance with the trial court, the same cannot be the reason for interference with the order of acquittal. The findings of the trial court cannot be said to be ‘distorted conclusions’ warranting interference. Based on the oral evidence of Joginder Singh (PW-2) and Harbhajan Singh (PW-3), the High Court ought not to have interfered with the order of acquittal and the conviction of the appellant under Section 18 of the NDPS Act cannot be sustained - the conviction of the appellant under Section 18 of the NDPS Act and the sentence of imprisonment imposed on him is set aside. Appeal allowed - decided in favor of appellant.
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