The Order of the Court is as follows :-

Appellants are accused Nos. 1 to 4 in C.C. No. 22 of 1996 on the file of the Special Judge, N.D.P.S. Act, Chennai and they were found guilty under Section 8(c) read with 21 of N.D.P.S. Act, convicted and sentenced to undergo R.I. for ten years each and to pay a fine of Rs. 1, 00, 000/- each in default to undergo R.I. for two years each. The sentence already undergone is set off under Section 428 Cr. P.C. The second accused has preferred C.A. No. 314 of 1997, the third accused has preferred C.A. No. 288 of 1997 and the first and the fourth accused have preferred C.A. No. 526 of 1997, aggrieved against the same judgment of conviction dated 31-5-1997.

2. The case in brief is as follows : -

The Inspector of Police, N.I.B. C.I.D., Chennai has laid the charge sheet against these accused stating that on 3-11-1995 at 16.30 hours near the main entrance of Thiruvalluvar Bus Transport Corporation bus stand, Parrys, Chennai, A1 was found in possession of 2 kgs. of heroin and the other accused were each found in possession of 1 kg. of heroin without any valid licence or permit and committed an offence punishable under Section 8(c) read with 21 of