IN THE HIGH COURT OF MADHYA PRADESH PRINCIPAL SEAT AT JABALPUR
Rajendra Kumar Srivastava, J.
Ashish Singh - Petitioner
Vs.
State of M.P. - Respondent
M.Cr.C. No. 37375, 37378 of 2018
Decided On : 28-02-2019
Section 482 - Criminal Proceeding - 379 IPC, 109 IPC, 53 M.P. Minor Mineral Rules, 1996 - The judgment discusses the applicability of Section 379 of IPC and Rule 53 of M.P. Minor Mineral Rules, 1996 in a case involving unauthorized extraction and transportation of minor minerals. The court analyzes the distinct nature of the offences under these provisions and concludes that the ingredients of the offence under Section 378 of IPC and under Rule 53 of MP Minor Mineral Rules, 1996 are different. The court also refers to relevant case laws to support its decision.
Fact of the Case:
The petitioners were aggrieved with criminal proceedings under Sections 109, 379 of IPC and Section 53 of M.P. Minor Mineral Rules, 1996 for unauthorized extraction and transportation of sand without a valid permit. The petitioners argued that the criminal proceeding under Section 379 of IPC was illegal and in violation of the provisions of the Minor Mineral Rules.
Finding of the Court:
The court found that the ingredients of the offence under Section 378 of IPC and under Rule 53 of MP Minor Mineral Rules, 1996 are different. It concluded that the criminal proceeding under Section 379 of IPC is maintainable, and therefore, declined to exercise the inherent power of the court under Section 482 of the Cr.P.C.
Issues: The main issue was the applicability of Section 379 of IPC and Rule 53 of M.P. Minor Mineral Rules, 1996 in a case involving unauthorized extraction and transportation of minor minerals.
Ratio Decidendi: The court's decision was based on the analysis of the distinct nature of the offences under Section 378 of IPC and under Rule 53 of MP Minor Mineral Rules, 1996, as well as the interpretation of relevant case laws.
Final Decision: The court declined to quash the criminal proceeding under Section 379 of IPC, stating that it is maintainable in the concerned Court.
These two petitions arise out from the same Crime No. 141/18 registered at Police Station Chandera District Teekamgarh. Petitioner has been filed these miscellaneous criminal case under Section 482 of Cr.P.C. being aggrieved with criminal proceeding in the offence under Sections 109, 379 of IPC and Section 53 of M.P. Minor Mineral Rules, 1996 vide Crime No. 141/2018 registered at Police State Chandera District Teekamgarh. Looking to this fact that the similar issues are involved in these petition, therefore, this Court shall decide the same through passing a common order.
2. Facts of the case in short are that petitioner-accused Sanad Kumar is registered owner of vehicle (Dumper) No. UP93 AT 9349. Petitioner-accused Ashish Singh is the owner of vehicle (Dumper) No. UP 93 AT 9239 and UP 93 AT 7654. At the time of incident, Sub Inspector- Pradeep Saraf was posted at police station, Chandera. On 05.08.2018 in the night, he was searching the vehicle. At the time of checking four dumpers No. UP 93 AT 9349, UP 93 AT 9239, UP 93 AT 7654 and UP 93 BT 6129 were stopped, in which sand was filled. Sub Inspector-Pradeep Saraf inquired about the sand from the driver, but driver was unable to give any explanation about the said sand. They had no permit for transporting the sand then Dumpers were seized with the sand. First Information was lodged under Section 379 of IPC and Section 53 of MP Minor Mineral Act. Petitioners-accused are also implicated in these cases.
3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits before this Court the criminal proceeding under Section 379 of IPC is illegal and clear violation of the provision of the Minor Mineral Rules. In Minor Mineral Rules there is specific procedure for the enquiry/investigation by the designated officer and after findings the person guilty the provisions of the filing complaint case is provided and because the special penal provisions of this Act are non-cognizable, so police directly could not the register the offence. It will be quite apparent from the combined reading of Sections 4,5 and 26 of the Cr.P.C. that if there is special law prescribing the special procedure for investigation of the cases falling under that law, the provisions of the code of Criminal Procedure are not applicable, it is only in the absence of any provision regulating investigation inquiry and trial of non-IPC offence i.e. offence under any other law, investigation, inquiry or trial, shall be as per the Code of Criminal Procedure, Under Minor Mineral Rules specific provisions have been made for the investigation, inquiry and recording of statement of witnesses. Therefore, the provision of the Code of Criminal Procedure would not govern the investigation etc. in respect of the offence under Minor Mineral Rules. The effect of Section 5 of the Cr.P.C.is to render the provision of the code inapplicable in respect of matter covered by special law. This Section clearly excludes the applicability of code in respect of investigation under any special or local law. Therefore, only those officers who have been empowered to investigate under the special law i.e. Minor Mineral Rules can do so and that to in accordance with the special law. Police does out the picture. Code of Criminal procedure also cannot be invoked as on account of specific provisions in the special law, and general provisions contained in the code do not apply. Section 5 of Cr.P.C. provides that all offences under any law other than the Indian Penal Code shall be investigated, inquired into, tried and otherwise dealt with according to the provisions contained in the Cr.P.C. but subject to any enactment for the time being in force regulating the manner or place of investigation, inquiry into, trial or otherwise dealing with such offences. The effect of Section 5 of the Cr.P.C. is to render the provisions of the Cr.P.C. inapplicable in respect of a
Sengol, Charlesand K. Kannan etc. Vs. State Rep. By Inspector of police
The main legal point established in the judgment is the binding effect of the settlement between the parties, the waiver of the right to seek re-employment by the workmen, and the entitlement of the ....
A lockout is justified if it is declared in response to an illegal strike or a strike that is in breach of a settlement or award.
The combination of eyewitness testimonies, recovery of the weapon used, and forensic examination results can establish guilt in criminal cases, even based on circumstantial evidence.
The conviction of an accused person under Section 27(3) of the Arms Act is not permissible in law if the accused is also charged with committing murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code.
The court can enhance compensation based on the deceased's income and family dependency, and adjust the multiplier used by the Tribunal if found unjustified.
A valid signature must be in the candidate's own handwriting, as emphasized by the General Clauses Act and relevant case law.
Login now and unlock free premium legal research
Login to SupremeToday AI and access free legal analysis, AI highlights, and smart tools.
Login
now!
India’s Legal research and Law Firm App, Download now!
Copyright © 2023 Vikas Info Solution Pvt Ltd. All Rights Reserved.