STATE OF H P Vs. CHET RAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The instant appeal has been filed by the State challenging the acquittal of the respondent recorded by the learned trial Court in Police Challan No. 78-II of 1987 decided on 20.9.1994 under Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code. We have heard learned Counsel for the parties and have carefully gone through the record.

(2.) In brief, the facts giving rise to the instant appeal are that the respondent was appointed as daily-waged Weaving Master in the Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation Whether reporters of the Local papers are allowed to see the judgment yes. in its office at Hamirpur, as such he was handling the store and stock of the handloom production and procurement unit w.e.f. 1983-84.

(3.) On 5.10.1983 in place of the respondent a regular Weaving Master was appointed. Thus the respondent was required to hand over the charge of the said post to him. It is alleged that while handing over the charge it was noticed that there was a shortage of the stock valuing Rs. 50,014-84 paise. Later the stocks and the accounts of the respondent was got audited and the total amount shortage of different items of the stock came out to be worth Rs. 85,492.44 paise. Handicraft Officer lodged the F.I.R. The respondent was terminated from his service on and w.e.f. 5.4.1983.