MUNNI LAL Vs. STATE OF RAJASTHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS revision petition is preferred against the judgment of the Sessions Judge, Jhunjhunu, dated 25th January, 1979, upholding the conviction and the sentence of the petitioner Under Section 7/16 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (hereinafter for short, 'The Act'), passed by the CJM, Jhunjhunu. The petitioner was sentenced to 6 months' SI and a fine of Rs. 500/ - by the learned CJM. The learned Sessions Judge also maintained the same conviction and the sentence.

(2.) THE petitioner who was co -accused with Shankerlal, was prosecuted Under Section 7/16 of the Act, in the court of CJM, Jhunjhunu. The prosecution case was that Food Inspector Dhanraj took sample of 'Baisan -ki -Chakki' on 9th Sept. 75 from Shanker Mishthan Bhandar. Co -accused Shanker was its owner, and the petitioner was working in that shop as servant. The said sample was then sent for examination, and on examination, it did not conform with the standard prescribed for vegetable oil. After obtaining sanction, Shankerlal and the petitioner were prosecuted. The learned CJM, after the trial acquitted co -accused Shankerlal of the charge levelled aganst him, but be convicted the petitioner as mentioned above. He (Petitioner) then prefe -rred an appeal in the court of Sessions Judge, Jhunjhunu, which was dimissed.

(3.) MR . Tibrewal also argued that according to the statement of the petitioner recorded Under Section 313 Cr. PC on 18th March, 1978, the petitioner was 20 years of age. This Court also assessed his age as 20 years. The sample was taken in the month of September, 1975. Thus, the petitioner was below the age of 18 years when the shop was checked by the food -inspector and the sample was taken from his possession. In this light, it was argued that it is a fit case where the accused should be given the benefit of probation. Both the lower courts have failed to appreciate this aspect that in year 1975, when the offence is alleged to have been committed by the petitioner, he was below 18 years of age, and at that time, it was mandatory for the courts to have granted the benefit of probation to such offenders, who were below 18 years of age. Now, he argued that instead of sending him to jail to undergo the sentence of imprisonment awarded to him, he should be released on probation. It was also argued that this being his first offence, the accused needs some leniency.