1999 (2) TMI 625 - SC - Customs

Challenging the conviction under Section 135(1)(b)(i) of the Customs Act, 1962 and Section 85(1)(ii) of the Gold (Control) Act, 1968 - Held that - The interest of justice will be fully met if instead of directing the appellants to go to jail for serving the balance sentence, we direct that each of them should pay fine of Rs.1 lakh (Rupees one lakh) within four months from today, failing which they will have to undergo the substantive sentence as directed in the impugned judgment.

Summary

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellants for possession of gold biscuits but reduced their sentence to a fine of Rs. 1 lakh each. The appellants were found with 600 gold biscuits in 1969 and argued for a reduced sentence due to changed import policies and personal circumstances. The Court considered mitigating factors and previous judgments before deciding on the fine. The appeals and writ petitions were disposed of accordingly. (Case citation: 1999 (2) TMI 625 - Supreme Court)