SAROJ Vs. SHO P/S AKHNOOR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These appeals are directed against the conviction and sentence recorded by the learned Principal Sessions Judge, Jammu (hereinafter to be referred as the "trial court") vide his common judgment dated 24.04.2012 and order dated 26.04.2021, whereby the appellants herein have been convicted for the offence punishable under Section 20 of NDPS Act and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of ten years and a fine of Rs.1.00 lac each. In default of payment of the fine, the appellants would undergo imprisonment for a further period of three years. The said conviction and sentence recorded by the trial Court has been challenged by the appellants on the following grounds:

(2.) At the outset, it may be stated that the during the pendency of these appeals, appellant Thomas Massi in Cr. Appeal No. 46/2012 expired, therefore, vide order dated 27.12.2018 passed by this Court, his legal heir (wife) was allowed to be substituted as appellant No.1.

(3.) Heard learned counsel for the appellants and Mr. Aseem Sawhney, learned AAG, appearing for the respondent-State.