GADADHAR NAYAK Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The appellant has challenged the judgment dated 28-6-1997 passed by Shri N. N. Praharaj, Special Judge, Jajpur in Vigilance G.R. Case No. 43 of 1996 convicting the appellant under S. 7 of the Essential Commodities Act (for short 'the Act') and sentencing him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for six months.

(2.) Prosecution case runs as follows :

(3.) The defence plea is one of denial. According to the defence the shortage occurred due to leakage in barrels kept outside the depot, caused by some miscreants which has been reported to the police and that the appellant was not responsible for the shortage.