Mohinder Pal, J. - This appeal is directed against the judgment of conviction and the sentence order dated 19.7.2000 passed by the learned Special Judge, Sangrur, convicting the appellant under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (for short the Act) and sentencing him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for one year and to pay fine of Rs. 1,000/-, in default whereof to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for three months.

2. The facts of the prosecution case are as under :

3. On 2.5.1997 at about 1.30 P.M, when Sub Inspector Gurbhajan Singh along with other police officials was present at Bus Stand of Malerkotla in connection with patrolling, received a secret information that the appellant, who was running a Karyana shop, was selling kerosene oil of blue colour, which could be sold only by the Depot Holder, at a higher price to the public and he could be caught red handed if a raid was conducted. receipt of this information, Sub Inspector Gurbhajan Singh along with other police personnel reached the office of Assistant Food and Supplies Officer, Malerkotla. Assistant Food and Supplies Officer, Malerkotla, Ram Chander and Inspector Grade-I Sadhu Singh were found