SOMAN Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The sole accused in S.C. No.535/2009 on the files of the Additional District and Sessions Court-II, Pathanamthitta, has come up in appeal, challenging the conviction and sentence imposed by the Additional District and Sessions Judge, as per the judgment dtd. 11/8/2014. The State of Kerala, represented by the Public Prosecutor is arrayed as the sole respondent herein.

(2.) Heard the learned counsel for the appellant as well as the learned Public Prosecutor, in detail. Perused the verdict under challenge and the records of the trial court.

(3.) In a nutshell, the prosecution case is that, at about 05.15 p.m. on 7/9/2008, the accused was found in possession of 1 Litre of illicit arrack in a rubber estate situated at Pothupara - Sannymukku in Koodal Village, against the prohibitions contained in the Kerala Abkari Act and thereby committed the offence punishable under Sec. 8(1) read with 8(2) of the Kerala Abkari Act. The case was charge sheeted by the Sub Inspector of Police, Koodal.