STATE OF ORISSA Vs. LACHHAMAN MOHANTY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE respondent having been acquitted in the case where the prosecution was launched against him for commission of offence under Rule 21 of the Odisha Timber and Other Forest Produce Transit Rules, 1981 in 2(b)C.C. Case No.6 of 1994, the State has challenged the same.

(2.) THE case of the prosecution is that the respondent being the owner and proprietor of Basanti Furniture Unit at Talia was found to be in possession of 22 pieces of hand sawn "Kaima" and 9 pieces of hand sawn "Piasal" planks during the raid by Forest Range Officer, Forester and Guards.

(3.) IN the trial prosecution examined six witnesses whereas the defence examined two. The Foresters have come to the dock as P.Ws.1 and 3, the Range Officers are P.Ws.2 and 4. P.Ws.5 and 6 are the Forest Guards. The respondent has examined himself and another in defence.