PERCY RUSTAM BASTA vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellant under Section 120B IPC and Section 135 of the Customs Act, 1962, for conspiracy to smuggle goods into India. The Court ruled that the statement made by the appellant to Customs Officers was admissible under Section 24 of the Evidence Act, rejecting the argument that it was coerced. The appellant's sentence of one year rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 2,000 was confirmed, with sentences running concurrently.