SASIKUMAR & ANR. versus STATE OF KERALA

SASIKUMAR & ANR. versus STATE OF KERALA

The conviction under Section 8(1) of the Abkari Act is justified based on the evidence, but the appellants are small-time operators; thus, the sentence is reduced to balance justice and mitigate hardship caused by high minimum fines.

Parties
Appellant: Sasikumar; Appellant: Anr.; Respondent: State of Kerala
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
04 December 2012
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Supreme Court Final Appellate
Outcome
Appeal partly allowed.
Legal Topics
Illicit Trade in Arrack, Sentencing, Imposition of Fines, Discrimination in Sentencing

Case Brief

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Parties

Sasikumar

Appellant

Anr.

Appellant

State of Kerala

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Supreme Court Final Appellate

  1. 1 Justification of conviction under Section 8(1) read with 8(2) of the Abkari Act
  2. 2 Appropriateness and quantum of sentence and default imprisonment

Ratio Decidendi

The conviction under Section 8(1) of the Abkari Act is justified based on the evidence, but the appellants are small-time operators; thus, the sentence is reduced to balance justice and mitigate hardship caused by high minimum fines.

Court Disposition

Appeal partly allowed.

Orders

  • Sentence of imprisonment reduced from 18 months to one year rigorous imprisonment for appellants and accused No.1.
  • Sentence in default of payment of fine reduced from six months to fifteen days simple imprisonment for appellants and accused No.1.