Sikandar Prasad vs The State of Bihar.

Heard learned counsel for the petitioners and learned counsel for the State.

This application under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (for short "Cr. P.C.") has been filed for quashing of the order dated 02.02.2016 passed by the learned Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrate, Begusarai in Sahebpur Kamal P.S. Case No.196 of 2014 whereby cognizance has been taken against the petitioners under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act.

According to the prosecution case, 44 bags of rice was seized by the police and, on inquiry, the informant came to know that those bags belonged to the petitioners, who were taking the rice for sale in black-marketing.

On completion of investigation, the police found the allegations made in the FIR to be true and submitted charge-sheet against the petitioners.

It would be relevant to note here that petitioner no.2 is a P.D.S. dealer.

Considering the allegations made in the FIR, statements of witnesses recorded under Section 161(3) of the Cr. P.C. and the police report submitted under Section 173 (2) of the Cr. P.C., the learned Magistrate took cognizance of the offence punishable under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act against the petitioners and summoned them to face trial vide impugned order dated 02.02.2016.

Regard being had to the materials collected during investigation, I see no illegality in the order impugned passed by the court below.

Accordingly, the application, being devoid of any merit, is dismissed.