Dismissed

Cedric Vaz and Anr. v. the State of Maharashtra

Bombay HC10 Apr 2006APPLN/1212/2006

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

This application sought to quash criminal proceedings against chocolate sellers, arguing that a single larva found on the product did not substantiate adulteration under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act. The court dismissed the petition, held that non-attendance on merits precluded deciding this question, and granted general exemption from in-person attendance subject to the trial court's p

What did the court decide?

Application rejected; applicants granted general exemption from appearing in trial court unless summoned by trial court.

No.534/S/2003 pending before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, 46th Court, Mazgaon, Mumbai and for quashing and setting aside the order issuing process which has been passed on 5.12.2003.

2. The point which is sought to be raised in this application is that only one living larva was found on the surface of the chocolate. It is sought to be argued that even if this was factually accepted situation, the food could not be said to be adulterated within the

of Jivraj Virchand Vs. Bhimrao Gurapa and another reported in 1979(1) FAC Page 297, where a view has been taken that the words the phrase "or is otherwise unfit for human consumption" is conjunctive. However, thereafter, the Apex Court in the case of Municipal Corporation of Delhi Vs. Tek Chand Bhatia took a contrary view. Yet another view taken by the Apex Court is in consonance with the view taken by the Single Judge of this court and that view has been taken in the case of State (Delhi Administration ) Vs. Puran Mal reported in A.I.R. 1985 S.C. Page 741.

3. In my view, in all the aforesaid cases, the view was taken after evidence was led and the trial was concluded on merits. I am not required to decide the aforesaid question. Even assuming that such express wording is missing in the report of Public Analyst, it is always open for the prosecution to put the said Public Analyst in the witness box and lead his evidence to show that the food in question was not fit for human consumption. It was sought to be argued that such evidence of the Public Analyst will carry no weight as he will be confronted with the omission in his certificate. That, however, is a question of veracity and weight to be given. It cannot be a ground for quashing proceeding itself. The order issuing process has been passed on

5.12.2003 and there is gross delay in approaching this court. I am however, inclined to grant the request made on behalf of the applicants that the applicants will be granted general exemption subject to right of the trial court to summon the applicant if their presence is found necessary during the trial. The learned A.P.P. contended that such an order can be passed so that interest of justice can be served. In the circumstances, application is rejected subject to a direction that the applicants are granted general exemption from appearing in the trial court unless their presence is required for the trial court during the trial. It will be open for the trial court to secure the presence of the applicant by summoning the applicants, if need arises. With the above directions, petition is disposed off.

Cedric Vaz and Anr. v. the State of Maharashtra

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

Cedric Vaz and Anr. v. the State of Maharashtra

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

What the court decided

A compact analysis

Issues for consideration

Statutes considered

Parties & counsel

Coram

Case details

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