SHANTI LAL Vs. STATE OF RAJASTHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) SINCE all these four appeals arise out of one and the same judgment dated April 2, 2002 of the learned Special Judge, NDPS Cases Pratapgarh rendered in Sessions Cases No. 146/99 (106/97), 4/99 (72/96), 225/99 and 202/99 and 202/99 (40/99), therefore the same are taken up together for disposal.

(2.) VIDE impugned judgment the accused Shanti Lal was convicted and sentenced under section 8/18 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (for short `ndps Act') to undergo rigorous imprisonment for twenty years and fine of Rs. two lacs in default to further undergo rigorous imprisonment for five years. While other accused Kalu Lal @ Kaluram, Shambhu Lal and Gopal Lal were acquitted of the charges leveled against them.

(3.) IN so far the three appeals preferred by the State of Rajasthan are concerned, I find no material to connect the co- accused Kalu Lal, Shambhu Lal and Gopal Lal with the crime. There is no satisfactory evidence on record that connects them with the guilt and they have rightly been acquitted of the charge under Section 8/18 of the NDPS Act.