STATE OF MAHARASHTRA Vs. MOHAMMAD SALIM KHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We grant special leave and proceed to dispose of the appeal.

(2.) The point raised in the appeal is a very short one, but nevertheless of general importance. It is with respect to the powers of the Special Executive Magistrates appointed under section 21 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 ('the Code').

(3.) Before narrating the facts, we may set out the relevant statutory provisions bearing on the question. Sections 20 and 21 of the Code provide power to the State Government to appoint Executive Magistrates and Special Executive Magistrates.