Government of Gujarat vs PRATAPBA WIFE OF BHIKHUBHA SODHA Advocate - A P MANKAD — 41/2026

JudegementView PDF

Case Summary: C.C.No.41/2026 Court Decision: The accused Pratapba (wife of Bhikhubha Sodha) was acquitted and discharged under the benefit of doubt. The court found that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that she unlawfully possessed 4 liters of country liquor valued at ₹800 in violation of the Gujarat Prohibition (Amendment) Act, Section 65-AA. Key Reasoning: The judge identified critical deficiencies in the prosecution's case: witness panchnamas (formal records) lacked substantiation, independent witnesses were absent despite opportunity, FSL laboratory reports on seized liquor samples were not produced, and the investigator's testimony contained contradictions about recovery from the accused's direct possession. The court applied the principle that when prosecution evidence contains gaps and inconsistencies, the benefit of doubt goes to the accused. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.

Disposed

Principal CIVIL Judge & J.M.F.C

Judgement

Principal CIVIL Judge & J.M.F.C

Final Arguments

Principal CIVIL Judge & J.M.F.C

Evidence Of Prosecution

Principal CIVIL Judge & J.M.F.C

Evidence Of Prosecution

Principal CIVIL Judge & J.M.F.C

Evidence Of Prosecution

Principal CIVIL Judge & J.M.F.C

First hearing

Initial hearing scheduled

Case filed

Registration No. 41/2026