The accused pleaded guilty before the VII Presidency Magistrate for an offence under section 49-A (3) of Madras City Police Act in that he received bets on New York Cotton prices on 22nd January, 1958, at 7-30 p.m., at Muthiah Mudali Garden, Ice House.

The prosecution had cited four witnesses to speak to these facts and the seizure of Rs. 4 cash, 12 betting slips bearing the letter M, a small pencil and a carbon slip.

The accused, apparently realising the overwhelming evidence against him, has pleaded guilty after the charge was explained to him, and he having done so, only the extent and legality of the sentence alone is open for consideration.

The point taken that the accused was not furnished with copies of statements and documents in police investigation under section 173 (4), Criminal Procedure Code, is without any substance.

Under the amended Code, copies have to be prepared and furnished to accused in all cases where there was police investigation under Chapter IV and this should be done before the commencement of inquiry or trial. But while there are provisions in section 207-A (3) and section 251-A (1) requiring the Magistrate to satisfy himself that the documents referre