(Surjit Singh, J.) - These two appeals are directed against the same judgment of the trial Court and are, therefore, being disposed of by a common judgment. Appeal No. 185 of 1997 has been filed by the State assailing that part of the judgment of the learned Sessions Court, whereby respondent Hari Singh has been acquitted of charge under Section 20 of the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, while Appeal No. 666 of 1996 has been filed by Hari Singh (respondent in Appeal No. 185 of 1997) against that part of the same judgment, whereby he has been convicted of offence under Section 44(a) (iii) read with Section 61 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for three years and to pay fine of Rs.15,000/-, in default of payment of fine to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a further period of one year.

2.We may first notice the prosecution version, as per evidence on record. On 13.2.1996 flying squad of Forest Department, comprising Chharing Angrup, D.F.O., Flying Squad, Sundernagar, PW-7, H.S.Dogra, D.F.O. Kullu: B.R.Negi, Range Officer, Bhunter; Amar Singh, Range Officer, Flying Squad; Hari Singh, Deputy Ranger, Flying Squ