Lashkari Ram & Ors Vs. Mast Ram Tanta & Anr [1998] INSC 441 (1 September 1998)

G.T.Nanavati, S.P.Kurdukar Nanavati. J.

ACT:

HEAD NOTE:

In this appeal, filed by some of the officers of the Himacahal Pradesh Government, what is called in question are the remarks made against them by the High Court, while disposing of Criminal Revision No. 56/82.

Respondent No.1 Mast Ram Tanta was tried by the Court of Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Theog for certain offences punishable under the Indian Penal Code and the Forest Act. Respondnt No. 1 pleaded quilty and was sentenced to pay fine only. The High Courtfinding that the sentence imposed upon Respondent No. 1 was inadequate, in exercise of its sub moto powers, issued notice to him calling him to show cause why the sentence should not be enhanced. During those proceedings the High Court found that the whole trial was conducted in an unholy haste and there was plea bargaining. Therefore, instead of enhancing the sentence it thought it proper to quash the whole trial and remanded the case back to the trial court for conducting the trial afresh. While disposing of the Revision Application in that manner the High Court made certain observations against the present appellants.

Having gone through the judgment, we find that the said observations are part and parcel of the reasoning of the High Court and they have been made while appreciating the evidence on record. Those observations are a part of the reasoning of the High Court. They cannot be expunged because that will amount to removing the very foundation on which the High Court judgment is based.

We, therefore, dismiss this appeal.

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