JUDGMENT

[CRL.A.2027/2004, CRL.A.2079/2004, CRL.A.2080/2004]

“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark”. After going through the entire records and the impugned judgment in this case, that is my feeling. The incident in this case happened about 30 years back. PW19, the Circle Inspector of Police, Hill Palace Police Station, receives reliable information on 21.03.1990, regarding counterfeiting and possession of Indian Currency Notes in a building bearing No.XXX/750, situated within his jurisdiction. He proceeded to the place along with two witnesses, an accused in murder case and a tea seller in the Police Station. He searched and seized several counterfeit notes, machinery for printing counterfeit notes etc. from the building No. XXX/750. According to him, accused Nos.1 to 8 were present and found engaged in counterfeiting currency notes. The investigation was conducted in this case and a final report was filed after 10 years, i.e., on 25/08/2000. When trial started in the court, all the witnesses turned hostile except PW19 and PW20 Police Officers. They deposed that the accused Nos.1 to 8 were present at the place from where the seizure is made as per Ext.P1 search list. But, PW2