BACHAN LAL Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) BACHAN Lal appellant was convicted under Section 18 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (hereinafter referred to as the Act) and was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for ten years and to pay a fine of Rs. 1,00,000.00. In default of payment of fine he was ordered to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for four years, vide, order of Additional Sessions Judge, Faridkot, dated 9.10.1986.

(2.) BACHAN Lal appellant was also tried under Section 25 of the Arms Act for recovery of one country made .303 bore pistol and two live cartridges of the same bore and was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for one year and to pay a fine of Rs. 100/-. In default of payment of fine he was ordered to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for one month. The period already undergone in custody during the investigation and trial in both the cases were ordered to be set off. The sentence of imprisonment passed in this case was ordered to run concurrently with the sentence of imprisonment passed for the recovery of contraband opium against the petitioner. Aggrieved against the orders of conviction and sentence in both the cases Bachan Lal appellant filed two jail appeals i.e. Crl.A. No. 74 and 75-SB of 1987. Since common questions of law and fact are involved, both the appeals shall be disposed of by one order.

(3.) THE learned counsel for the parties were heard.