MANOJ VALMIKI PANDE Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In these three appeals filed under Section 374 of the Code of Criminal Procedure ('the Code' for short) the challenge is to the correctness of the judgment and order dated 21.10.2002, rendered in NDPS Case No.9 of 2000, by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court No.1, Vadodara, by which the appellants (A-1, A-2 and A-3 for short) in these three appeals have been convicted for the offence punishable under Section 8 (c ) read with Section 20 (b) (ii) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 ('NDPS Act' for short) and all the accused persons have been sentenced to suffer R.I. for ten years and fine of Rs.1 lakh and in default of payment of fine, R.I. for further period of six months.

(2.) Briefly stated, the prosecution case as disclosed in the FIR and unfolded during trial is as under:

(3.) Criminal Appeal No.1059 of 2002 is filed by A-1 through Mr. Atul H. Mehta, learned advocate whereas Criminal Appeal Nos.1028 of 2002 and 8 of 2003 are filed by A-2 and A-3 respectively from jail and Ms. Sadhna Sagar, learned advocate is appointed by this Court to assist them.