In Re: A. Govindaswamy and Others

Panchapakesa Ayyar, J.—The petitioners have been sentenced u/s 75, City Police Act to undergo three weeks rigorous imprisonment each

for behaving in a riotous, disorderly or indecent manner and have also been directed to execute bonds themselves for Rs. 50 each with one surety

for Rs. 50 each for six months after release u/s 106, Criminal P. C. Mr. Mani, for the petitioners, urged that Section 75 would apply only to

persons guilty of riotous, disorderly or indecent behaviour as a result of being drunk and not as here, without being drunk and in a perfectly sober

mood. I cannot agree. Section 75 punishes both drunkards incapable of taking care of themselves, and people, guilty of riotous, disorderly or

indecent behaviour in any public place, etc., like these petitioners. The petitioners abused in filthy and indecent language, the loyal workers and

behaved in a riotous, disorderly and indecent fashion in a public place and were rightly convicted u/s 75 . But, considering all the circumstances, I

modify the sentences to the periods of imprisonment already undergone and a fine of Rs. 15 each or in default further rigorous imprisonment for a

week each. Time for payment till 3 P. M. on 14th August 1949.

2 There was no justification in the circumstances of this case to take bonds u/s 106, Criminal P. C., from any of the petitioners, none of whom had

any antecedents of crimes involving a breach of the peace and all of whom had acted in sudden heat of passion on finding their fellow workers

refusing to join the strike and persisting in going on working, The bonds are cancelled.