JUDGMENT

M. M. Punchhi, J. - A question pristinely legal, has been raised in this petition for revision as to whether the Gram Panchayat, exercising criminal judicial functions can convict a person for its contempt under Section 79 of the Gram Panchayat Act read with Section 345, Criminal Procedure Code, on a day subsequent to the day it takes cognizance of the offence.

2. On 15-4-1979, the Gram Panchayat of village Raipur Kalan, Tehsil Kharar, District Ropar was in seisin of a criminal complaint under Sections 504/323, Indian Penal Code, against the petitioner. The petitioner who was participating therein as the accused, passed insulting and abusive remarks against the Panchayat using therein filthy and a obscene language. Seemingly, the proceedings in that complaint were adjourned and a notice was issued to the petitioner for offence under Section 79(1) of the Gram Panchayat Act, 1952 (hereinafter referred to as the Act). In the said notice, he was required to show cause by being present before the Panchayat on 22-4-1979 as to why a sentence of fine be no imposed on him for his having committed the contempt of the Panchayat by using filthy and obscene language, lowering its digni