MAHESWARAPPA Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In the outskirts of Shimoga Town there lies a rice mill called Popular Rice Mill. It is said to be of the ownership of a private limited company. Petitioners 1 to 4, who claim to be the Directors of that company, and the 5th petitioner, its Managing Director, have filed this petition under S. 482 readi with S. 397 of the Crl.P.C., 1973 (the Code).

(2.) On the allegation that the company, in violation of the relevant orders under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (the Act) had stocked and were dealing with paddy and rice, Shimoga Rural Police raided the premises of the mill on 3.5.1983, and, after seizing the grains and the account books, have registered a case in Crime No. 97 of 1983 against these petitioners and have forwarded the F.I.R., to the Court of Sessions which also happens to be the Special Court, under the Act. The investigation is said to be under progress. Neither a challan nor a 'B' summary report has been filed in the Court.

(3.) In this petition the petitioners seek the quashing of "the proceedings in Crl. No. 97/85, on the file of the Sessions Judge, Shimoga.