PUBLIC PROSECUTOR ANDHRA PRADESH Vs. KOVUKOTI EKNATH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These are four connected appeals preferred by the State against the acquittal of the respondent in C.C. Nos. 332 to 335 of 1964, by the Judicial First Class Magistrate who also happens to be the Presiding Officer of Labour Court, Hyderabad.

(2.) Originally the Provident Fund Inspector laid a complaint before the Labour Court against the respondent, M/s. Ramalingeswara Rice & Oil Mill, Ghanapur, Warangal District, represented by its Occupier, Sri Kavukoti Eknath, under section 14 of the Employees' Provident Funds Act, 1952 and paragraph 76 (e) of the Employees' Provident Fund Scheme, 1952.

(3.) The learned Magistrate " dismissed " the complaint on the ground that the respondent was once convicted for non-payment of contributions and that he cannot once again be charge-sheeted for non-payment of administrative charges. The short order of the learned Magistrate reads thus :-