THE STATE OF PUNJAB vs BARKAT RAM

The Supreme Court held that Customs Officers are not considered police officers under Section 25 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, thus confessions made to them are admissible in evidence. The Court overturned the Punjab High Court's decision that had set aside the conviction of the respondent for offences under Section 23(1) of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947, and Section 167(8) of the Sea Customs Act, 1878, based on the inadmissibility of confessions. The Court maintained the conviction, establishing that the duties of Customs Officers differ significantly from those of police officers.