The State vs Ishar Das

Kapur, J.—This is an appeal against acquittal of Ishar Das u/s 13 of the Punjab Pure Food Act.

On 11-3-1954 the Food Inspector took a sample of tea from the shop of Ishar Das out of a container which had about 100 lbs. of tea and had no label that the tea was adulterated as required under the provision of Rule 18. That sample was sent to the Public Analyst for analysis and he found stalks to be 38 per cent. which is more than 20 per cent. as is provided under the amended rules made on 29-12-1952.

It appears that no evidence was recorded because nothing is shown in the extract from the summary register under the column "summary of evidence for prosecution" and the whole of the judgment of the learned Magistrate consists of these words:

"No case made out u/s 13, Punjab Pure Food Act. Acquitted."

As I have said, it is not shown in the extract from the summary register as to what the summary of the Evidence of the prosecution witnesses or the other witnesses was. There is nothing from which the appellate Court can come to the conclusion as to what the evidence was and why the accused has been acquitted.

Counsel for the accused made two submissions. One was that no reasons need be given when the Magistrate acquits. They are only required when he convicts and the learned counsel relied upon -- ''Emperor v. Sugnomal Bhojraj'' AIR 1942 Sin 52 (A). That was a case which came to the Chief Court on a reference, taut with respect I am unable to agree with the reasons given in that judgment, and moreover in the present case there is nothing to show whether any evidence was recorded by the learned Magistrate or considered by him.

In ''Aiunddi Sheikh v. Queen Empress'' 27 Cal 450 (B), It was held that though a case had been tried in a summary way, it was incumbent upon the Magistrate to put on record sufficient evidence to Justify his order, and in -- " AIR 1934 177 (Oudh) a similar view was taken.

In my opinion and I say so with deferenre that the view taken in the Calcutta and the Oudh cases is correct and would apply to the facts of the present case. The section which applies to the facts of the present case is 264 and not 283, Criminal P. C., because u/s 414, Criminal P. C., no appeal lies from summary conviction where the sentence is a fine not exceeding Rs. 200/-. I would, therefore, overrule the submission of the counsel for the respondent.

In regard to the rules the addition of the words "and more than 20 per cent. of stalks" by Notification No. 13747-3HB-52/35720, dated 29-12-1952, must be read disjunctively and not conjunctively, and in my opinion this plea is also not available to the accused.

As there has been no proper trial In the present case, I would allow the appeal, set aside the order of acquittal and send back the case to the. learned Magistrate to try it in accordance with law.

Falshaw, J.

I agree.