JUDGMENT

D.K. Jain, J.:

1. Leave granted.

2. This appeal by special leave, assails the judgment dated 12th February, 2008, rendered by a learned Single Judge of the High Court of Orissa at Cuttack. By the impugned order, on a petition under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (for short “the Code”), the investigation initiated by the Vigilance Department of the State Government into the allegations of irregularities in the receipt of excess quota, recycling of rice and distress sale of paddy by one M/s Haldipada Rice Mill, a proprietary concern of the respondent, has been quashed.

3. On receipt of a complaint, the civil supply department of the State Government initiated an inquiry against the said concern, relating to the processing of paddy for and on behalf of the Food Corporation of India. Preliminary inquiry conducted by the Food and Supply department revealed certain irregularities in the procurement and milling of paddy by the respondent. A subsequent departmental inquiry recommended initiation of a proper administrative action against the respondent. Consequently, the State Government directed the Vigilance Cell of the Police department to conduct a prelimi