ORDER :

1. In the wake of instant surge in COVID – 19 cases and spread of its highly infectious Omicron variant, abundant caution is being maintained, while hearing the matters in the Court, for the safety of all concerned.

2. This Criminal Appeal has been preferred under Section 374 Cr.P.C. praying for the following reliefs:-

“It is, therefore, respectfully prayed that the impugned judgment dated 07.09.1994 passed by the learned Special Judge (E.C. Act Cases), Balotra, may kindly be quashed and set aside and the conviction and the sentence imposed by him against the accused-appellant for the offence under Sec. 3/7 of E.C. Act and Sec. 467 I.P.C. may kindly be quashed and set aside and the accused-appellant may kindly be acquitted of alleged offences.”

3. The matter pertains to an incident which occurred in the year 1990 and the present appeal has been pending since the year 1994.

4. Vide impugned judgment dated 07.09.1994 the learned Special Judge, Essential Commodities Act, Balotra in Criminal Case No.3/93 convicted appellant for the offence under Section 3/7 of Essential Commodities Act & Section 467 IPC and sentenced as under:- (Sentences will run concurrently) 3/7 E.C Act : 06 mo