EMPEROR Vs. RUSTOMJI MANCHERJI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The accused is charged with having committed a public nuisance in that he worked a Hour mill in a residential neighbourhood. He was charged under Section 290, Indian Penal Code, and the proceedings have been referred to this Court by the Sessions Judge on account of the conduct of the Magistrate in that he tried the case summarily although an applies was made by the accused that the case should not be tried in a summary manner. The result has been that although the case lasted for a considerable time, there is no record of the trial from which we can form an opinion that the conviction was right. In the end the accused has been fined Rs. 25. But the result of the conviction is that he is unable to carry on his business and work U13 Hour mill, without rendering himself liable to further conviction.

(2.) That no doubt is a very serious matter. The question whether this flour mill is a public nuisance is one which ought to be properly tried.

(3.) There is another objection that the statement of the accused was not taken under Section 342, Criminal Procedure Code. I am aware, as the authorities stand at present, that is a fatal objection.