VINOD K. GARG Vs. JT. DIR. OF AGRICULTURE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) CRIMINAL APPEAL NO(S). 1915 OF 2011 Heard learned senior counsel/counsel for the parties.

(2.) Perused the impugned judgment and order.

(3.) The impugned judgment and order is passed by the High Court in Criminal Appeal NO.487 of 2000 in the absence of accused-appellant as well as learned counsel for him. The order of acquittal passed by the trial court, has been reversed by the High Court and the appellant has been convicted for the offence and the charge against him along with all the other accused-respondent nos. 2 to 5 without even serving notice upon the appellant. Since the High Court has not given an opportunity for hearing to the appellant herein, in our considered view, the impugned judgment and order is passed in violation of principles of natural justice, which is liable to set aside and is set aside accordingly.