MOHBOOB KHAN Vs. STATE (U.T. ADMINISTRATION)

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS is a criminal appeal and had been directed against the judgment and order dated 24.2.1997, passed by the Court of Addl. Sessions Judge, Chandigarh, who convicted the Appellant under Section 18 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (hereinafter referred to as "the Act"); and sentenced him to undergo R.I. for a period of 10 years and to pay a fine of Rs. 1 lac: in default of payment of fine, the Appellants was directed to undergo R.I. for two years.

(2.) THE brief facts of the case can be summarised in the following manner:

(3.) VIDE order dated 8.6.1995, the learned trial court framed a specific charge under Section 18 of the Act on the allegation that on 25.1.1995 at about 10 p.m. in the area near Rana Flour Mills at Dadu Majra Colony, Chandigarh, he was found in possession of 520 grams of opium without any licence or permit and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 18 of the Act. The charge was read over and explained to the accused, who pleaded not guilty and claimed a trial.