RULDU PAL & OTHERS Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Ruldu Pal, Hari Singh and Leela petitioners were found in possession of 2 quintals of poppy husk. They were convicted under Section 9 of the Opium Act and each of them was sentenced to one year's rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 500/- by the Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Patiala, on November 2, 1982. On appeal, the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Patiala, in a considered judgment upheld their convictions and sentences. They have now come up by way of revision.

(2.) Mr. P.S. Sandhu, appearing on behalf of the petitioners, has been singularly unable to assail the considered findings of the two Courts below on merits. The only prayer made has been for reduction in the sentence. There is, however, some scope for reducation in the sentence in view of the fact that the occurrence took place as far back as 1979. I would accordingly reduce their sentence of imprisonment to six months each but impose a fine of Rs. 1000/- on each of the petitioners in addition to the fine imposed by the trial Court as I feel that it would meet the ends of justice. In case of default of payment of fine, they shall suffer further rigorous imprisonment for six months each.