J U D G M E N T

This appeal is preferred by the accused against the conviction and sentence in S.C. No.488 of 2001 of the Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track-I), Thiruvananthapuram under Sec.55(a) of the Kerala Abkari Act. The charge against the accused is that on 26.03.1998 at 12.30 p.m., the appellant was found in possession of 2 litres of arrack on the western side of the Maniyanvilakom - Murukkumpuzha Catholic Church road in front of the house of one Mathew, M.T. Land in Vailoor Village by the preventive officer, Excise Enforcement and Anti Narcotic Special Squad, Thiruvananthapuram. The appellant was arrested and the contraband articles were seized after preparing a mahazar. On the next day, she was produced before the Excise Inspector, Excise Range office, Kazhakkottam and registered a crime and occurrence report. After completing investigation, the Excise Inspector, Kazhakoottam laid charge before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-II, Attingal. Subsequently, the case was committed to Sessions Court, Thiruvananthapuram. From there, the case was made over to Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track-I, Thiruvananthapuram.

2. During trial, prosecution examined PW1 to PW5 a