UNION OF INDIA Vs. AMEENABI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Ms. Thakkar, learned Advocate for Appellant and Ms. Tidke, learned APP for the State. None appears for the Respondent No.1.

(2.) This Criminal Appeal challenges judgment of Acquittal dtd. 14/10/1998 passed by the learned Metropolitan Magistrate, 8th Court, Esplanade, Mumbai in CC. No. 198/CW/88. Appellant is the Union of India on behalf of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (for short "DRI"). It is filed in 1999 and has reached final hearing today. Despite none representing the Respondent, I have perused the impugned judgement and heard the Appellant.

(3.) Respondent No.1 - Smt. Ameenabi w/o Late Haji Mohammed Merchant is the original accused who was tried for offences punishable under Sec. 135 (1) (b) read with Sec. 135 (1) (I) of the Customs Act, 1962 and Ss. 85 (1)(ii) and 85 (1)(a) read with Sec. 8(1) of Gold Control Act, 1968.