JAGIR SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Counsel for the petitioner has not challenged the conviction. He has simply prayed for leniency in the matter of sentence. The petitioner has been sentenced to undergo RI for one year and to pay a fine of Rs. 1500/- and in default of payment of fine, to further undergo RI for three months for allegedly having been found in possession of about 50 bottles of illicit liquor. The recovery was effected as back as on 19th December, 1993 and since then the petitioner is suffering the agony of the protracted trial. The object of law is not to punish the offender but also to reclaim him, if possible. The petitioner is not a previous convict as contended by the learned counsel for the petitioner. Keeping in view the nature of the recovery, it is hereby ordered that the petitioner shall be released on probation provided he furnishes personal bond and surety bond in the sum of Rs. 2000/- with one surety in the like amount undertaking to maintain peace and be of good behaviour for a period of one year to the satisfaction of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ferozepur. Necessary bonds shall be executed by him within two months from today. The petitioner shall also pay a sum of Rs. 2000/- as costs of litigation to the State. In case the petitioner does not furnish the requisite bonds within the time stipulated, the revision shall be deemed to have been dismissed.