UTMA RAM Vs. STATE OF RAJASTHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) ACCUSED Utmaram was convicted under Section 4(l)(e) and Section 4(2) of the Rajasthan Prohibition Act, 1969, by the learned Additional Munsif and Judicial Magistrate. Banner by his judgment dated September 26, 1978. He was sentenced to one year's simple imprisonment with a fine of Rs. 200/ - under Section 4(2) of the aforesaid Act. The accused challenged his conviction by way of appeal. The learned Sessions Judge, Balotra, by his judgment dated May 9, 1979, partly allowed his appeal and his conviction under Section 4(1)(e) of the Rajasthan Prohibition Act was set aside. However, his conviction under Section 4(2) of the Act was maintained but the sentence of imprisonment was reduced from one year to that of six months. The amount of fine was maintained.

(2.) IN view of the concurrent findings of the courts below. Mr. Kumbhat, learned counsel appearing for the accused did not challenge his conviction. The only submission made by him is that the Rajasthan Prohibition Act, 1969 has been repealed and is now a dead law. No previous conviction stands at the discredit of the accused. The accused was found in possession of only 5 litres of illicit liquor. Both the courts below have not recorded the reasons for not extending the benefit of probation of good conduct to the accused as is required by Section 360 and 361 Cr. PC. It was submitted that the accused should be released on probation of good conduct.

(3.) I have taken the respective submissions into consideration. The Rajasthan Prohibition Act, 1969 has been repealed and is now dead law. The accused was found in possession of only 5 litres of illicit liquor. No previous conviction stands at his discredit. Taking all these factors into consideration it would not be improper to release the accused on probation of good conduct.