The Bombay High Court today reducedscamster Abdul Karim Telgi's sentence of ten years'imprisonment to seven years in one of the cases for sellingfake government stamps.
The Court, hearing an appeal, set aside Telgi's convictionfor "counterfeiting government stamp" (section 255 of IPC),changing it to conviction for general conspiracy, cheating,and forgery. As a result, the sentence was reduced.
Justice R C Chavan, however, upheld Telgi's convictionunder section 468 (forgery for cheating), and sentenced himthree years' rigorous imprisonment and Rs 20,000 fine.
The HC also upheld conviction for cheating, awarding Telgianother 3 year RI term. All the sentences would runconcurrently.
Telgi's associate Sanjay Gaikwad was acquitted by the HC,saying there was absolutely no evidence. The judge, however,upheld the conviction of another aide, Ramratan Soni.
"Conviction of appellant Soni under Section 256 IPC(possession of counterfeit government stamps) is altered tothat for the offence punishable under Section 473 (making orpossessing counterfeit seal with intention to commit forgery),without disturbing the sentence of seven years' RI with a fineof Rs 10,000...," judge ruled.