JUDGMENT

R. K. PATRA, ACJ.— The aforesaid application has been filed on behalf of the prosecution (Vigilance Department) seeking clarification of the judgment dated 14.8.2001 rendered by one of us (L. Mohapatra, J.) in Criminal Misc. Case No. 3657 of 2001. While considering the same, it was brought to our notice that a learned Single Judge of this Court in Sadhu Charan Meher v. State of Orissa, 2001 (21) OCR 353 has held that offences under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 are bailable. As the aforesaid view was doubted, we have examined the entire matter and would deal with the same hereinafter.

2. A. Clarification of the judgment dated 14.8.2001 (supra).

Criminal Misc. Case No. 3657 of 2001 was an application made under Sec. 482, Cr.P.C. by wich cognizance taken by the Special Judge, Bolangir under Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (hereinafter referred to as the 'Principal Act') was challenged by the petitioner Usha Sinha on the ground that he (Special Judge) had no jurisdiction. After hearing both sides, by judgment dated 14.8.2001 the said application was dismissed. It was held therein that since the Special Court has jurisdiction to try