THE GOVERNMENT OF GUJARAT vs HITEN KANAJI GADHAVI Advocate - M J FUFAL — 360/2026

Judegement

Case Summary: Case 360/2026 Court Decision: The accused, Hiten Kanaji Gadhavi, was acquitted of charges under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, Section 65(A)(A) for allegedly possessing foreign liquor (11 bottles of Royal Stag worth ₹1,100). Key Reasoning: The court found that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The panch (witness) who documented the alleged seizure did not support the prosecution's case and was declared hostile, providing no corroboration that the liquor was recovered from the accused's possession. Additionally, the investigating officer's testimony contained significant gaps—no independent witnesses were examined, and no evidence proved the seized location or liquor belonged to the accused. Following precedent from *State of Gujarat v. Sureshbhai S. Patel*, the court ruled that when panch witnesses turn hostile, sole reliance on complainant testimony is inappropriate. Outcome: Accused acquitted; ordered to furnish ₹5,000 bail-bond; seized contraband to be destroyed after appeal period. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.

Disposed

Addl. CIVIL Judge

Further Statement

Addl. CIVIL Judge

Process To Accused

Addl. CIVIL Judge

Process To Accused

Addl. CIVIL Judge

Process To Accused

Addi CIVIL Judge & J.M.F.C

First hearing

Initial hearing scheduled

Case filed

Registration No. 360/2026