ABU BAKAR SIDDIQUE Vs. STATE OF BIHAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE appellant suffered conviction under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act for alleged violation of the terms and conditions of the licence issued under the Bihar Trade Articles (Licences Unification) Order, 1984 and was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for one year.

(2.) THE factual matrix-the fair price shop of the appellant, established under the Public Distribution System was allegedly inspected by Md. Asfaque, the then Marketing Officer, Sikty, in the company of other officials and certain irregularities and discrepancies in maintenance of stock were noticed. THE stock position was found not displayed on a conspicuous place of the business premises. A police case was registered on behest of the Marketing Officer and investigation commenced on conclusion of which the Police laid charge-sheet and the appellant was eventually put on trial. In the trial that commenced, the State examined altogether four witnesses including the Reporting Officer and the trial Court on critical analysis of the evidence, finding the appellant guilty under Section 7 of the E.C. Act, sentenced him in the manner stated above.