SOM NATH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) SOM Nath and Ramesh Kumar, by means of this petition under Section 482 Cr.P.C. seek quashing of FIR No. 14 dated Jan 23, 1991 registered at Police Station Divn. No. 3, Ludhiana for offence under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, and also charge sheet dated Feb, 1992 and consequent proceedings.

(2.) THE impugned FIR was registered on the allegations that on a raid being carried out by the Food and Supplies authorities and the police on the premises of M/s Sohan Lal Kasturi Lal (Sethi Dee Hatti), Karyana Merchant, Sabban Bazar, Ludhiana, a huge quantity of Vanaspati Ghee, refined edible oil and Dal were found, regarding which Som Nath made a statement. On inquiry it was found that the firm also had another godown in Daulat Market, Ludhiana, where it keeps stock of Dalda Ghee. The godown was then got opened and a further stock of Vanaspati Ghee and Dal was found. The firm had kept these articles for sale and it also issued cash memo in respect of Vanaspati Ghee and refined, oil, although, the firm had no licence with it to deal in these articles of Food.

(3.) THE explanation of this section reads as follows :-