The main legal point established is that in cases falling under special legislation like the M.M.D.R. Act, the provisions of the special law will prevail over the general law, and cognizance of offences under the special law cannot be taken without a complaint in writing by an authorized person.

According to the counsel appearing for the State in spite of intimation being given for sending down instruction for filing counter affidavit, no such instruction was made available and as such, counter affidavit was not filed.

2. In such situation, the case was heard on its merit.

3. This application has been filed for quashing of the order dated 27.8.2010 passed by the then Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ghatshila in G.R.No.124 of 2006 whereby and whereunder cognizance of the offences punishable under Sections 379,188 and 120(B) of the Indian Penal Code and also under Section 4/21(5) of the M.M.D.R. Act has been taken against the petitioners.

4. Before adverting to the submissions advanced on behalf of the petitioners, case of the prosecution needs to be taken notice of.

5. It is the case of the prosecution that the informant, Sub-Inspector, Bahragora Police Station in course of patrolling did find two trucks, bearing registration nos.C.G.-04J-3594 and HR-38K-6779 loaded with iron ore standing in front of Hot Mixing Plant belonging to Lakheswari Builder. There huge quantity of iron ore was found stored. The labourers seeing the police party coming, started running away but four of them were apprehended, who disclosed that they, at the instance of Adarsh Chilukuri, petitioner no.1 proprietor of M/s. Usha Logistic Company and the Manager Shri Niwas Reddy (petitioner no.2), have been storing and transporting iron ore. All the four were arrested and the seizure list was prepared.

6. On such allegation, a case was registered as Bahragora P.S case no.23 of 2006 under Sections 379, 188 and 120(B) of the Indian Penal Code and also under Section 4/21(5) of the M.M.D.R. Act.

7. On completion of investigation when the charge sheet was submitted, cognizance of the offences as stated above was taken against the petitioners, vide order dated 27.8.2010 which is under challenge.

8. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioners submitted that allegation of storing and transporting iron ore in contravention of the provision of the M.M.D.R Act will be subject matter of prosecution under special legislation Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and hence, the petitioners cannot be prosecuted for an offence under the General Law.

9. It was further submitted that so far cognizance taken under Section 21 of the M.M.D.R Act is concerned, that is quite bad as it has never been taken upon a complaint filed by the person authorized either on behalf of the Central Government or the State Government and thereby the order taking cognizance is fit to be quashed.

10. As against this, learned counsel appearing for the State submitted that the informant is quite competent to lodge a case under the Indian Penal Code as well as under the M.M.D.R. Act as the offence under M.M.D.R. Act is cognizable one and thereby no illegality has been committed by the court in taking cognizance of the offence against the petitioners.

11. Having heard learned counsel appearing for the petitioners, I do find that whatever allegation is there in the F.I.R, that would be subject matter for prosecution under the M.M.D.R Act as the M.M.D.R Act being a special legislation will have overriding effect upon the provisions of general law and therefore, any prosecution under the general law is not permissible.

12. In this regard I may refer to Section 4 of the Code of Criminal Procedure which deals with the matter regarding investigation and enquiry of the case falling under the Indian Penal Code or any Special Act which reads as follows:

“Trial of offence under the Indian Penal Code and other laws -

(1) All offences under the Indian Penal Code (46 of 1960) shall be investigated, inquired into, tried and otherwise dealt with according to the provisions hereinafter contained.

(2) All offences under any other law shall be investigated, inquired into, tried and otherwise dealt with according to the same provisions, but subject matter to any enactment for th