JUDGMENT :

1. Heard Mr. Nilesh Kumar, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. Manoj Kumar assisted by Mr. P.C. Sinha, learned counsel for the State.

2. This petition has been filed for quashing the FIR and the entire criminal prosecution in connection with Ratu P.S. Case No.230/2021 lodged as against the petitioner under Section 59 of the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 (hereinafter to be referred to as “the Act, 2006”) as well as Sections 419, 420, 467, 468, 469, 471, 290, 120B of the Indian Penal Code as well as Sections 7 and 20 of COTPA (Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act, 2020), lodged by respondent no.2, pending in the court of the learned Judicial Magistrate, 1st Class, Ranchi.

3. On the written report dated 15.08.2021 of the Food Safety Officer (respondent) no.2, the case was lodged wherein it was alleged that on 14.08.2021 on secret information, he went to the office of M/s. Suraj Freight Carriers Pvt. Ltd., Kamre. The raid was conducted in the leadership of respondent no.2. It was further alleged that against the order of the State Government dated 28.05.2021, some cigarette and other pan masala was found present in the Carrier company in presence of local indep