This is a reference under section 432, Criminal Procedure Code, by the Third Presidency Magistrate, Saidapet, Madras, in a batch of four cases before him, all relating to offences under the Madras Prohibition Act. In C.C. No.5388 of 1953 there are two accused, of whom the 1st accused is charged with offences punishable under sections 4 (1)(a), 4(1)(j) and 24 of the Madras Prohibition Act (which shall hereinafter be referred to as the Act). The 2nd accused is alleged to have commited offences punishable under sections 4(1)(k) and 12 of the Act. In C.C. No.5389 of 1953, the 1st accused is alleged to have committed offences punishable under sections 4(1)(a) and 4(1)(j) of the Act, while the 2nd accused is alleged to have committed offences punishable under section 4(1)(k) and section 12 of the Act. Similarly, in C.C. No.5390 of 1953, the offences alleged against the 1st accused are offences under sections 4(1)(a) and 4 (1)(j). Those against the 2nd accused are under section 4(1)(k) and section 12 of the Act. In C.C. No.5391 of 1953, the 2nd accused in the other three cases is the sole accused and he is charged with offences punishable under section 4 (1)(a) and section 24 of th