KEKI BOMI DADISETH Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD Shri Manohar, learned senior Counsel for the petitioners, and Mrs. Jog, Shri Jichkar, Shri Loney, Shri Dhote and Shri Patel, learned Additional Public Prosecutors for the respondent-State.

(2.) IN all these matters, the accused/directors are of M/s. Brooke Bond Lipton India Limited, which is amalgamated with Hindustan Lever Limited with effect from 21-3-1997. The sample of product manufactured by the company found to be adulterated is also the same, namely, Kissan Mixed Fruit Jam. The company prosecuted is also the same, i. e. M/s. Brooke Bond Lipton India Limited except in Criminal Application No. 669/2000 where company, which is prosecuted is Hindustan Lever Limited and product is Anik Ghee. The allegations against the accused/directors made in the complaints are identical in nature and process is issued by the Magistrates in all these cases for contravention of provisions of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and Rules framed thereunder. Therefore, all these matters are heard together and disposed of by the common judgment.

(3.) THESE proceedings are directed against the orders passed by the Magistrates whereby process is issued in the complaints filed by the respondent State alleging violation of provisions of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (hereinafter referred to as the Act ) against the petitioners.