MOHAMED MEERAN Vs. G DEENADAYALU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE petitioners have filed this petition under Section 482, Cr.P.C. seeking for calling for records from the XX Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Chennai in M.F.No.2 of 1998 and quash the complaint filed for the offences under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act.

(2.) I have heard Mr.Raja Kalifulla, the learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. Ramanlaal, the learned counsel for the respondent.

(3.) THE private complaint filed by the respondent for the offences under the provisions of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act is sought to be quashed on the ground that the complaint was filed with a 22 months delay after the receipt of the analyst report. It is pointed out that a sample Chilli powder was taken from the shop of the petitioner on 18.7.96. This was analysed on 25.7.96 and a report was prepared on 14.8.96. Admittedly, this report had been received by the complainant on 24.8.96. However, the complaint was filed only on 8.5.98, that is, after about 22 months.