SANTHOSH KUMAR Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE appellants were arrayed as accused 1 to 3 and they were tried for offences punishable under Sections 84, 86 and 87 of Karnataka Forest Act and contravention of Rules 154 and 165 of the Karnataka Forest Rules and also for offences punishable under Sections 35(6) and 51 of Wild Life Protection Act. The learned Sessions Judge has acquitted the accused for offences punishable under Sections 35(6) and 51 of Wild Life Protection Act and convicted them for offences punishable under Sections 84, 86 and 87 of Karnataka Forest Act in contravention of Rules 154 and 165 of the Karnataka Forest Rules. Therefore, they are before this Court.

(2.) I have heard Sri Renukaradhya, learned counsel for accused and learned Government Advocate for State. In view of acquittal of accused for offences punishable under Sections 35(6) and 51 of Wild Life Protection Act, evidence adduced by the prosecution witness for the afore stated charges need not be reconsidered.

(3.) THE prosecution has relied on evidence of PW1 and PW2 to prove offences punishable under Sections 84, 86 and 87 of Karnataka Forest Act and contravention of Rules 154 and 165 of the Karnataka Forest Rules.