O R D E R:

This Criminal Petition is filed under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (for short ‘Cr.P.C.’) by the petitioner-Accused No.3 to quash the proceedings against him in C.C.No.2437 of 2022 pending on the file of XII Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Hyderabad. The offences alleged against him are under Sections 3(1)(c), 5(1)(a), 2, 15 of Official Secret Act, 1923 read with 120-B of IPC.

2. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the respondent – State. Perused the record.

3. According to prosecution case it was revealed during investigation that Accused Nos.1 and 2(private person) colluded with Accused No.3 who worked as GM, Security Printing Press, Hyderabad from 14.09.2016 to 14.10.2018. The petitioner herein provided confidential information of day to day happenings in the press and the same was shared with accused Nos.1 and 2. According to the investigation, sharing of the said confidential information falls within offence punishable under the said provisions of Official Secret Act, 1923.

4. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that there is a restriction imposed under Section 13(3)