Judgment

IMAM, J. : A complaint was filed by the appellant on the 4th of December, 1953, against the respondent Agbotwala and one Phirozbai Mazarkhan under ss. 385, 389 and 500/34 and 109 of the Indian Penal Code in the Presidency Magistrate s 15th Court, Mazagoan, Bombay. The accused were summoned. As the accused Phirozbai Mazarkhan could not be produced the trial proceeded against the respondent Agbotwala (hereinafter referred to as the respondent) only. The Presidency Magistrate was not satisfied, on the evidence, that the respondent and Phirozbai Mazarkhan had conspired either to defame the appellant or to extort money from him. he also held that there was no evidence to show that the respondent knew that Phirozbai Mazarkhan was committing an offence. Accordingly, he declined to frame a charge under Ss. 385 and 389/34 and 109 of the Indian Penal Code.

2. The Presidency Magistrate, however, framed a charge under S. 500, I. P. C. against the respondent who pleaded not guilty. He was of the opinion, after the consideration of the evidence, that the respondent had on the 13th of October, 1952, uttered before Mr. Parab, an advocate, the defamatory words with which he was charged. He w