IN THE HIGH COURT OF UTTARAKHAND AT NAINITAL GOVERNMENT APPEAL No. 332 of 2007 (Old No. 2752 of 1984) The State …Appellant Versus Nathu Singh … Respondent Sri M.A. Khan, learned brief holder for the state / appellant. Dated : January 8, 2008 HON. DHARAM VEER,J. This appeal, preferred u/s 378(1) of Code of Criminal Proceduer, 1973 (hereinafter to be referred as Cr.P.C.) is directed against the judgment and order dated 23.6.1984 passed by Chief Judicial Magistrate Pithoragarh in Criminal Case No. 249 of 1983, State v. Nathu Singh, whereby the learned Magistrate has acquitted the respondent for an offence punishable u/s 3/7 of Essential Commodities Act by giving benefit of doubt. On 26.12.2007, his Court issued notice to the respondent returnable within ten days. In compliance of that order, CJM, Pithoragarh vide his report dated 7.1.2008 has informed that the respondent –Nathu Singh has died. In view of the fact that the sole respondent-Nathu Singh has died, the appeal preferred by the State Stands abated. (Dharam Veer,J.) Rajeev Dang