SAT PARKASH Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner was convicted under Sec. 7 read with Sec. 16(1)(a) of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, and was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for six months and to pay a fine of Rs. 1,000.00 by both the Courts below. Against his conviction and sentence, he has filed the present petition.

(2.) The Food Inspector took a sample of chilli powder from the shop belonging to the petitioner. After analysis it was found to be adulterated and did not conform to the specifications as mentioned in the Food Adulteration Act-. The petitioner has already undergone two months of actual sentence. The sample of chilli powder was taken on Aug. 27, 1988. More than 14 years have elapsed since the trial and begun. The petitioner has already suffered the agony of trial for all these years.

(3.) In this view of the matter, I uphold the conviction of the petitioner. However, I reduce the sentence of imprisonment awarded to the petitioner to that already undergone by him. The sentence of fine, with its default clause is, however, maintained.