THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR Vs. KOLA SAHIB OF WANDIWASH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner was found by the Stationary Sub-Magistrate of Wandiwash to have sent a false report to the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Tiruvannamalai, against the Circle Inspector of Wandiwash Circle and he was convicted under Section 47 of the Police Act and sentenced to a fine of Rs. 50. The matter was taken in appeal to the Sub-Divisional First Class Magistrate of Cheyyar, who allowed the appeal on the technical ground that the complaint was barred by time under Section 53 of the Police Act.

(2.) The learned Sub-Divisional Magistrate clearly made a mistake-in presuming that any period of limitation had been laid down for the bringing of complaints of the nature with which we are concerned in this case. Section 53, says,

(3.) The appeal is therefore allowed. As more than one year has elapsed since the accused was first sentenced, I think it is sufficient to meet the ends of justice if he is fined Rs. 10. As he now admits the offence it is not necessary to send the appeal back to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate for re-hearing.