The limitation prescribed under the Code of Criminal Procedure is not for taking cognizance within the period of limitation, but for taking cognizance of an offence in regard to which a complaint is filed or prosecution is initiated beyond the prescribed period of limitation.

Satish K. Agnihotri, J.

1. By this petition, the Petitioner seeks a direction to quash the Criminal Complaint Case No. 18/2011 (State v. Jai Bhagwan Agrawal and Ors.) pending in the Court of Judicial Magistrate First Class, Sakti and cognizance taken by the Trial Court in the said criminal case, which was supported by an application under Section 473 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (for short "the Cr.PC").

2. The facts, in narrow compass, are that the Respondent No. 5 filed a complaint against the Petitioner on 10-1-2011 after a delay of 5 years from the date of taking samples, before the Court of Judicial Magistrate First Class, Sakti, under Section 473 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which was taken cognizance by the Judicial Magistrate.

3. According to the Learned Counsel appearing for the Petitioner, the Petitioner is the stockist of Dabur Products. On 18-2-2006, the Respondent No. 6/ Food Inspector visited the shop of Jai Bhagwan Agrawal to purchase the sample of Dabur Anmol Shudha Nariyal Tel for analysis. 3 packets were purchased and receipt thereof was given to Jai Bhagwan Agrawal. Thereafter, the Panchnama was prepared vide Annexure P-5. Jai Bhagwan Agrawal filed an affidavit before the Respondent No. 3 on 16-5-2006 stating that he had purchased the said product from Mamta General Stores, Vyapar Vihar, Bilaspur. Subsequently, the complaint was filed by the Respondent No. 5, which was taken cognizance by the Court of learned Judicial Magistrate First Class, Sakti, District Janjgir-Champa. Thus, the complaint case as well as the order taking cognizance of the case on the basis of the complaint, may be dismissed on the ground that the same was filed after a period of 5 years.

4. Shri Verma, Learned Counsel appearing for the Petitioner, submits that under Section 468 of the Cr.PC there is a bar to take cognizance of an offence punishable for 3 years after a period of 5 years.

5. The issue for consideration before this Court is as to whether the High Court can interfere and quash the criminal proceedings in exercise of its power under Article 226 of the Constitution of India wherein the complaint has been lodged and cognizance has been taken after 5 years from the date of taking of the sample of the goods.

6. It is for the Trial Court to consider the issue of limitation, as it depends on the nature of offence and punishment thereon. The Petitioner, without appearing before the Trial Court, had straightaway approached this Court, which cannot be entertained at this stage.

7. The Trial Court has to consider other factors also except the period of limitation, i.e., when the date of incident has been taken and what steps have been taken by the officers on the basis of samples collected from Jai Bhagwan Agrawal. Thus, on a simple ground that there was a delay of 5 years from the date of taking sample is not sufficient to decide the period of limitation having regard to the above stated facts.

8. The Supreme Court in Bharat Damodar Kale and Anr. v. State of A.P. (2003) 8 SCC 559, in respect of taking cognizance after the alleged period of limitation, observed as under:

10. ...All these provisions indicate that the Court taking cognizance can take cognizance of an offence the complaint of which is filed before it within the period of limitation prescribed and if need be after excluding such time which is legally excludable. This in our opinion clearly indicates that the limitation prescribed is not for taking cognizance within the period of limitation, but for taking cognizance of an offence in regard to which a complaint is filed or prosecution is initiated beyond the period of limitation prescribed under the Code. Apart from the statutory indication of this view of ours, we find support for this view from the fact that taking of cognizance is an act of the Court over which the prosecuting agency or the complainant has no control. Therefore, a complaint filed within the period of limitation under the Code cannot be made i