UNIYAL, J. :- This appeal has been filed by Vishan Swarup complainant against an order dated 28-2-1963 of the Special Magistrate, 1st Class, Meerut, acquitting the respondents Nardeo Shasiri and Devendra Kumar, Editor and joint Editor, respectively, of a daily newspaper entitled 'Janta-ki-Pukar' printed and published from Mawana, District Meerut, of offences under Sections 501 and 502 of the Indian Penal Code.

2. The complainant was Lekhpal of Village Mewa during the months of April and May, 1960. His house and property was situate in Mawana where his family resided. In the issue of the Hindi Daily 'Janta-ki-Pukar' dated 24-4-1960 a news item from a correspondent was published which contained imputations against a Lekhpal (whose identity was not disclosed) to the effect that he (the Lekhpal) was in the habit of taking bribes from both parties in cases pending in the Court of Sri Dharam Smgh Rawat, S. D. M., and Sri Mathur, TaUsildar, Mawana; that the officers concerned were reputed to be honest and appeared to be unaware of the doings of the Lekhpal. The correspondent hinted that the officers should take notice of the matter. In another issue of the same paper dated 29-4-19