RAVEENDRAN. K vs EXCISE INSPECTOR, VADAKARA

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellants under Section 57A(iii) of the Abkari Act, 1967, for selling arrack containing methanol, a noxious substance. The Court emphasized that the burden of proof lies on the licensee to demonstrate that they did not mix harmful substances with the liquor, as per Sections 57 and 57A of the Act. The appeals were dismissed, affirming the lower courts' findings of guilt and the imposed sentences.