KULBHUSHAN SHARMA Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Revision Petition is directed against the Order of the Additional Sessions Judge dated 16th November, 1999, whereby the learned Judge has reversed the order dated 25th February, 1995, of the Metropolitan Magistrate, whereby the learned Magistrate has discharged the accused.

(2.) The case of the prosecution, as is evident from the report under Section 173 Cr.P.C., is that the Petitioner was the owner of the plot in question over which the construction was entrusted to Buta Ram, who in turn engaged a sub-contractor Raj Kumar. It was Raj Kumar who engaged labourers while Buta Ram arranged for the building material as also the electric connection, etc. It was during the course of construction that one labourer accidentally got electrocuted and died. On the basis of this incident, an FIR was registered being FIR No. 43/1992 dated 3rd February, 1992 under Section 304-A IPC. The learned Magistrate before whom the case appeared for framing of charge came to the conclusion that there was absolutely no material on record to show that the accused was in any manner responsible for any negligence that resulted in the death of the deceased. He also returned a finding that there was nothing on record to show that it was accused who had applied for the electric connection. Consequently, he discharged the accused. However, he went on to direct the Police to investigate the matter further under Section 173 (8) Cr.P.C. as also directed the police to file a fresh charge-sheet. He also took strong note of the dereliction on the part of the prosecution. Being aggrieved of this order on the grounds of jurisdiction, the State went up before the Additional Sessions Judge by way of a revision petition challenging the authority of the Magistrate to direct further investigation under Section 173(8) Cr.P.C. after having taken cognizance of the offence. The State has also challenged the discharge stating that there was material on record to show that the accused was the owner of the premises in question and was supervising the work during which the deceased was electrocuted. The Revisional Court on a re-appraisal of the material on record returned a finding that the accused was the owner of the plot in question and was also supervising the work which is being carried out by the contractor and therefore, was duty bound to take care and ensure that no harm was caused to those, who were working on the plot.

(3.) Counsel for the Petitioner has taken me through the statement of Raj Kumar which is the basis of the FIR and is the only material witness on record for the purpose of consideration whether a charge can be framed. Counsel submits that there is no material on record to show that the Petitioner, who is otherwise a General Power of Attorney holder of the plot in question, was in any manner supervising the construction work. There is also nothing on record to show that it was the accused who had arranged for any pump or for any electric connection to the hand pump or even arranged for the electric connection. In that view of the matter, he submits that no charge under Section 304-A IPC could have been framed.