Ramrai Mahadev Nayak and Another vs State of Maharashtra

In this appeal by special leave the appeal has been pressed mainly on the question of sentence and arguments confined to A-1 only. A number of interesting legal points were raised by the learned counsel for the appellant but we find no substance in them. Lastly, it was argued that in the peculiar facts of this case, this Court should release the appellant under the Probation of offenders Act. It appears that the appellant is not a resident of Bombay and permanently resides in Mysore but had come to Bombay to meet his father on a short visit. In the course of the short visit, unfortunately he was asked to look after the hotel just for a day when the Food Inspector came and took the samples of Gilebi and Ladu which were said to be adulterated. There can be no doubt that the taking of the samples amounted to sale under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act and as the appellant was in charge of the hotel, he would be liable for the offence for which he has been punished. But in view of the presence of the appellant in the hotel due to circumstances beyond his control, we think it is a fit case in which we should not send him to jail and give him the benefit of the Probation of offenders Act.

We, therefore, allow this appeal to this extent that the sentence passed on the appellant is suspended and he is directed to be released on his executing a bond for ` 5,000 for maintaining good behaviour for one year with two sureties of like amount and a personal recognisance bond of the same amount. In case he violates the terms of the bond, he will be called upon to serve out the sentence. Appeal of A-5 (appellant No. 2) is dismissed.