STATE OF MAHARASHTRA Vs. LALIT S NAGPAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) ALL these applications are filed by the State and they involve a common question of law. I have heard the learned A. P. P. for the State of Maharashtra and Mr. H. A. Solkar for the respondent in some of these petitions.

(2.) THE question is whether the Special Judge appointed under the Essential Commodities Act, has powers to pass interim orders in respect of release of property involved in the commission of offences under the Essential Commodities Act.

(3.) TO appreciate this question, facts of CRA No. 123 of 1996 are reproduced: