KHALEK SHAIKH vs STATE OF WEST BENGAL

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellant under Section 46A(a)(ii) of the Bengal Excise Act, 1909 for unlawful possession of 40 litres of illicit distilled liquor. The Court found that the absence of independent witnesses did not invalidate the conviction as the testimony of official witnesses was deemed trustworthy. The sentence of three years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 500 was affirmed, with the Court rejecting the appellant's claims regarding the severity of the sentence and the applicability of a lesser charge under Section 46A(a)(i).