AIR 1937 BOMBAY 385

Bombay High Court

Hon'ble Judge(s): Beaumont , C.J. AND N. J. Wadia , J

(A) Gambling - Evidence-Corroboration- Evidence of police agent must always be corroborated-Evidence of panch accompanying police agent is not sufficient to corroborate evidence of police agent. In many gambling cases police agents are not only accomplices but are also unreliable witnesses, because they are generally paid by results. It is always in their interest to secure a conviction in the hope of getting a part of the fine which may be imposed. The evidence of a police agent in these cases must always be corroborated before it can be acted upon. The evidence of the panch accompanying the police agent in such cases is not enough to corroborate the evidence of the police agent.(Para 386C1,2) (B) Evidence Act (1 of 1872) , S.45— Gambling is not art or science. @page-Bom386 It is impossible to say that gambling is either an art or science within the meaning of S. 45, Evidence Act.(Para 386C2) (C) Evidence Act (1 of 1872) , S.49— Scope- Satta gambling-Unintelligible slips found in possession of accused-Police officer cannot merely give bis opinion upon their meaning unless he gives evidence of his long experience amongst such people supported by instances....