ORDER :

“Whether the Court can refer a case relating to non-compoundable offence to Lok Adalat and Lok Adalat has jurisdiction to determine such case”? are the questions involved in this case.

2. The respondent was being prosecuted before the trial Court in C.C.No.201/2013 on the basis of the charge sheet filed by Akkur Police for the offences punishable under Sections 32 and 34 of the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965 (‘the Excise Act’ for short).

3. For the purpose of convenience, the respondent will be referred to as accused henceforth. The allegations against the accused was that he was found in illegal possession of liquor worth Rs.1,965/-, for sale.

4. On 07.04.2014, the trial Court by the impugned order referred the case to Lok Adalat. The Lok Adalat by the impugned award dated 07.04.2014 determined the said case holding that the accused has admitted the guilt. Further the Lok Adalat by the impugned award convicted the accused for the offences punishable under Sections 32 and 34 of the Excise Act and sentenced him to pay fine of Rs.500/-and imprisonment till rising of the Court.

5. Aggrieved by the said order, the State preferred Crl.A.No.20/2014 before the Principal District and Sessio