Source: http://peractolegal.com/the-essential-commodities-act-1955/
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 20:35:54+00:00

Document:
Seeds of foodstuffs is an item which has direct bearing with the production of the foodstuffs and consequently it is competent for the Parliament as well as the States to make laws in relation to seeds of foodstuffs. Surely seeds of food-crops and seeds of fruits and vegetable relate to foodstuffs. An order in respect of foodstuffs made by the Central Government is intra vires the powers conferred by sub-clause (xi) of clause (a) of section 2 of the Act; Rashu Seeds & Farms v. Union of India, AIR 1994 SC 533.
In common parlance ‘food’ is something that is eaten. In wider sense ‘food’ may include not only solid substances but also a drink. Still the fact remains that the substance called ‘food’ should possess the quality to maintain life and its growth; it must have nutritive or nourishing value so as to enable the growth, repair or maintenance of the body. Tea does not have any nutritive value. Therefore, tea is not a ‘foodstuff’; S. Samuel, M.D., Harrisons Malayalam v. Union of India , AIR 2004 SC 218.
The word ‘oil’ was used in regard to foodstuff thus it pertains to only edible type of oils and not oils like kerosene; Tulsidas Modi v. State of Orissa, 1987 Cr LJ 664.
1. Extended to Goa, Daman and Diu with modifications by Regulation 12 of 1962, sec. 3 and Sch., to Dadra and Nagar Haweli by Regulation 6 of 1963, sec. 2 and Sch. I and to Lakshadweep and Amindivi Islands by Regulation 8 of 1965, sec. 3 and Sch., to the State of Sikkim (w.e.f. 7-1-1976), vide S.O. 28(E), dated 7th January, 1976.
This Act has been amended in Maharashtra by Maharashtra Act 71 of 1976, in Orissa by Orissa Act 8 of 1976, in Uttar Pradesh by Uttar Pradesh Acts 9 of 1974, 18 of 1975, 39 of 1975 and 16 of 1978.
2. Clause (ia) renumbered as clause (iia) and before clause (iia) so renumbered clause (ia) inserted by Act 18 of 1981, sec. 3(a) as amended by Act 34 of 1993, sec. 3 for a period of fifteen years which now stands ceased to have effect after the expiry of fifteen years. See Appendix—Section 3(a) of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
3. Ins. by Act 92 of 1976, sec. 2 (w.e.f. 2-9-1976).
(iv) cotton and woollen textiles;’.
5. Ins. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 2(a) (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
6. Subs. by the A.O. (No. 3) Order, 1956, for clause (d).
7. Ins. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 2(b) (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
8. Clause (f) ins. by Act 18 of 1981, sec. 3(b) as amended by Act 34 of 1993, sec. 3 for a period of fifteen years, which now stands ceased to have effect after the expiry of fifteen years. See Appendix —Section 3(b) of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981.
1[2A. Essential commodities declaration, etc.—(1) For the purposes of this Act, “essential commodity” means a commodity specified in the Schedule.
(b) remove any commodity from the said Schedule,in consultation with the State Governments.
1. Ins. by Act 54 of 2006, sec. 3.
3 POWERS TO CONTROL PRODUCTION, SUPPLY, DISTRIBUTION.
(1) If the Central Government is of opinion that it is necessary or expedient so to do for maintaining or increasing supplies of any essential commodity or for securing their equitable distribution and availability at fair prices, 2[or for securing any essential commodity for the defence of India or the efficient conduct of military operations], it may, by order, provide for regulating or prohibiting the production, supply and distribution thereof and trade and commerce therein.
(b) in the case of any such commodity which is likely to be produced or received by him, to sell the whole or a specified part of such commodity when produced or received by him,to the Central Government or a State Government or to an officer or agent of such Government or to a Corporation owned or controlled by such Government or to such other person or class of persons and in such circumstances as may be specified in the order.
Explanation 1 .—An order made under this clause in relation to food-grains, edible oilseeds or edible oils, may, having regard to the estimated production, in the concerned area, of such foodgrains, edible oilseeds and edible oils, fix the quantity to be sold by the producers in such area and may also fix, or provide for the fixation of, such quantity on a graded basis, having regard to the aggregate of the area held by, or under the cultivation of, the producers.
8[(3A) (i) If the Central Government is of opinion that it is necessary so to do for controlling the rise in prices, or preventing the hoarding, of any food-stuff in any locality, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3), the price at which the food-stuff shall be sold in the locality in compliance with an order made with reference to clause (f) of sub-section (2) shall be regulated in accordance with the provisions of this sub-section.
and different prices may be determined from time to time for different areas or for different factories or for different kinds of sugar.
provided that this sub-section shall not affect the pledging of such sugar by any producer or importer in favour of any scheduled bank as defined in clause (e) of section 2 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (2 of 1934) or any corresponding new bank constituted under section 3 of the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970 (5 of 1970), so, however, that no such bank shall sell the sugar pledged to it except under and in accordance with a direction issued by the Central Government.
“(f) for requiring any person holding in stock, or engaged in the manufacture or production of, or in the business of buying or selling any essential commodity to sell the whole or a specified part of the quantity held in stock or produced or caused to be produced or likely to be manufactured or produced or caused to be produced by him or received or likely to be received by him in the course of the said business, to the Central Government or a State Government or to such other person or class of persons and in such circumstances as may be specified in the order.
“(f) for requiring any person holding in stock, or likely to hold in stock, or engaged in the manufacture or production or processing of, or in the business of buying or selling, any essential commodity, to sell, the whole or a specified part of the quantity of the essential commodity held in stock or likely to be held in stock by him or manufactured or produced or processed or likely to be manufactured or produced or processed by him or received or likely to be received by him in his business of buying or selling to the Central Government or the State Government or to an officer or agent of any Government or to such other person or class of persons and in such circumstances as may be specified in the order.
“(f) for requiring any person holding in stock or engaged in the manufacture or production of, or in the business of buying or selling, any essential commodity to sell the whole or a specified part of the quantity held in stock or manufactured or produced or caused to be produced or likely to be manufactured or produced or caused to be produced by him or received or likely to be received by him in the course of the said business, to the Central Government or a State Government or to an officer or agent of such Government or to such other person or class of persons and in such circumstances as may be specified in the order.
The purpose of obtaining the eligibility certificate from the Director-General of Resettlement in defence services is obviously with a view to identify suitable candidates in the defence category for being considered for selection and appointment for award of gas agency. The candidate who has been certified to be covered in the defence category and fulfilling the required income limit cannot lose his eligibility merely because certificate was not obtained pursuant to a particular advertisement and for a particular location; Sunil Dutt v. Chief Regional Manager, HPC Ltd ., AIR 2004 SC 157.
The ban imposed on manufacture of skimmed milk powder from skimmed milk during the season when milk is available in abundance and when there is no ban on manufacture of ghee, khoya, paneer, was held wholly illogical, irrational and arbitrary on the point that it is not logical on the face of it and further more skimmed milk powder can be reconverted to milk unlike the other by-products such as paneer, khoya, etc.; Daily Foods v. Union of India , AIR 1993 Del 278.
In the case of wholesale kerosene dealership the parties to the agreement are the dealer and the petrol company and the State Government and any of its officials are complete strangers to that agreement. Further as in case of a dealership under the public distribution system a wholesale dealer of kerosene oil must obtain a wholesale kerosene dealer’s licence under the unification order and on the basis of that licence alone he can carry on the wholesale business in kerosene. The grant and revocation of licence is regulated by the provisions of the unification order and a licence issued under the unification order can by no means be cancelled by directions contained in executive instructions; Veena Devi v. State of Bihar , AIR 2004 Pat 113.
It was found that most of the existing sub-wholesalers reside at far off places, i.e., 30 to 80 kms. away from the residential places and it has become difficult on their part to go to their depots at regular intervals. The Collector after taking into consideration all the various factors, recommended the appointment of opposite parties as sub-wholesalers. The State Government on due consideration accordingly appointed them as sub-wholesalers. Further, the petitioners have no inherent right to get a particular quota. The aim and purpose of Public Distribution System is that a common man should get the essential commodities easily and any inconvenience caused to him is against the system; Manas Ranjan Das v. State of Orissa , AIR 2004 Ori 62.
2. Ins. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 3(a) (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
3. Subs. by Act 92 of 1976, sec. 3(a)(i), for clause (f) (w.e.f. 2-9-1976). Earlier clause (f) was substituted by Act 28 of 1957, sec. 2 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957).
4. The words “or cotton textiles” omitted by Act 54 of 2006, sec. 4 (w.e.f. 12-2-2007).
5. Ins. by Act 17 of 1961, sec. 2(a) (w.e.f. 10-5-1961).
6. Subs. by Act 66 of 1971, sec. 2(i), for clause (j) (w.e.f. 23-12-1971). Earlier clause (j) was amended by Act 17 of 1961, sec. 2(b) (w.e.f. 10-5-1961).
7. Subs. by Act 92 of 1976, sec. 3(a)(ii), for sub-clause (iii) (w.e.f. 2-9-1976).
8. Ins. by Act 13 of 1957, sec. 2 (w.e.f. 4-6-1957).
9. Subs. by Act 92 of 1976, sec. 3(b) (w.e.f. 2-9-1976). Earlier sub-section (3B) was inserted by Act 25 of 1966, sec. 2 (w.e.f. 3-9-1966) and was amended by Act 66 of 1971, sec. 2(ii) (w.e.f. 23-12-1971), by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 3 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
10. Ins. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 3(c) (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
11. Ins. by Act 37 of 2003, sec. 2 (w.r.e.f. 14-6-1999).
12. Sub-sections (4A), (4B) and (4C) as inserted by Act 14 of 1967, sec. 2 (w.e.f. 1-4-1967) ceased to have effect from 31st day of March, 1968, vide Act 14 of 1967, sec. 1(2).
4 IMPOSITION OF DUTIES ON STATE GOVERNMENTS, ETC.
(b) such State Government or such officer or authority subordinate to State Government; as may be specified in the direction.
1. Subs. by Act 66 of 1971, sec. 3, for “the power to make orders under section 3” (w.e.f. 23-12-1971).
6 EFFECT OF ORDERS INCONSISTENT WITH OTHER ENACTMENTS.
Any other made under Sec. 3 shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any enactment other than this Act or any instrument having effect by virtue of any enactment other than this Act.
6-A CONFISCATION OF ESSENTIAL COMMODITY.
price at the date of seizure of the essential commodity sought to be carried by such animal, vehicle, vessel or other conveyance 28 ].
(6) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), when Collector or the appellate authority is seized with the matter under this section no court shall entertain any application in respect of essential commodities, any package covering, receptacle, any animal, vehicle or other conveyance used in carrying such commodities as far as its release, distribution etc. is concerned and the jurisdiction of Collector or the appellate authority with regard to the disposal of the same shall be exclusive.
The expression, ‘it is otherwise expedient in the public interest’ in section 6A (2) has to be understood so as to advance the legislative objective of ensuring that the goods do not suffer either in quality or quantity, for instance, fertilizer may not be susceptible to speedy and natural decay but it is expedient in public interest to ensure that it is either sold to the agriculturist or disposed of at least before the next season; N. Nagendra Rao & Co. v. State of Andhra Pradesh, AIR 1994 SC 2663.
2. Ins. by Act 25 of 1966, sec. 3 (w.e.f. 3-9-1966).
3. Section 6A renumbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 92 of 1976, sec. 4 (w.e.f. 2-9-1976). Earlier section 6A, before it was renumbered as sub-section (1), was amended by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 4 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
4. Subs. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 4(a), for “foodgrains, edible oilseeds or edible oils are seized” (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
5. Subs. by Act 92 of 1976, sec. 4(a)(i), for “it may be produced without any unreasonable delay, before” (w.e.f. 2-9-1976).
6. Subs. by Act 92 of 1976, sec. 4(a)(i), for “if satisfied” (w.e.f. 2-9-1976).
7. Subs. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 4, for “may order confiscation of the essential commodity so seized” (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
8. Ins. by Act 92 of 1976, sec. 4(a)(ii) (w.e.f. 2-9-1976).
9. Ins. by Act 92 of 1976, sec. 4(b) (w.e.f. 2-9-1976).
10. Proviso was substituted by Act 18 of 1981, sec. 4 as amended by Act 34 of 1993, sec. 3 for a period of fifteen years which now stands ceased to have effect after the expiry of fifteen years. The original proviso has been restored. See ppendix—Section 4 of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
6-B ISSUE OF SHOW-CAUSE NOTICE BEFORE CONFISCATION OF ESSENTIAL COMMODITY.
(1). no order confiscating any animal, vehicle, vessel or other conveyance shall be made under section 6A if the owner of the animal, vehicle, vessel or other conveyance proves to the satisfaction of the Collector that it was used in carrying the essential commodity without the knowledge or connivance of the owner himself, his agent, if any, and the person in harge of the animal, vehicle, vessel or other conveyance and that each of them had taken all reasonable and necessary precautions against such use 38 ].
8(3) No order confiscating any essential commodity, package, covering, receptacle, animal, vehicle, vessel or other conveyance shall be invalid merely by reason of any defect or irregularity in the notice given under clause (a) of sub-section (1), if, in giving such notice, the provisions of that clause have been substantially complied with 39 ].
“6BB. Review.—(1) Where the Collector is satisfied that an order of confiscation or an order refusing confiscation made under section 6A suffers from a mistake apparent on the face of the record (including any mistake of law) he may within one month of such order issue notice to the owner of the essential commodity, package, covering, receptacle, animal, vehicle, vessel or other conveyance, or, as the case may be, the person from whom it was seized, to show cause why that order should not be reviewed, and after giving him a reasonable opportunity of being heard, pass such order on review as he thinks fit.
Reasonable opportunity of being heard is required to be given Under section 6B of the Act, a reasonable opportunity of being heard is required to be given before making any order confiscating any essential commodity under section 6A of the Act; Kiran Oil Industries v. District Collector, AIR 1997 Guj 153.
1. Ins. by Act 25 of 1966, sec. 3 (w.e.f. 3-9-1966).
2. Section 6B re-numbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 5 (w.e.f. 22-6-1974).
3. Subs. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 5, for “any foodgrains, edible oilseeds or edible oils” (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
4. Subs. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 5, for “essential commodity” (w.e.f. 22-6-1974).
5. Subs. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 5, for “they are seized”.
6. Subs. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 5, for “any foodgrains, edible oilseeds or edible oils” (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
7. Ins. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 5 (w.e.f. 22-6-1974).
8. Ins. by Act 92 of 1976, sec. 5 (w.e.f. 2-9-1976).
2[ 6C. Appeal. —(1) Any person aggrieved by an order of confiscation under section 6A may, within one month from the date of the communication to him of such order, appeal to 3[any judicial authority appointed by the State Government concerned and the judicial authority] shall, after giving an opportunity to the appellant to be heard, pass such order as it may think fit, confirming, modifying or annulling the order appealed against.
“6C. Appeal. —(1) Any person aggrieved by an order of confiscation under section 6A may, within one month from the date of the communication to him of such order, appeal to any judicial authority appointed by the State Government concerned and the judicial authority shall, after giving an opportunity to the appellant to be heard, pass such order as it may think fit, confirming, modifying or annulling the order appealed against.
There is a difference in orders of confiscation passed by the Collector under section 6A(1) and section 6A(2) of the Act. Thus, an order passed under section 6A(2) of the Act does not attract section 6C and hence no appeal lies. Section 6C is clear in its words that an appeal is provided only for orders issued for confiscation under section 6A(1) of the Act; State of U.P . v. Ram Avtar Jaiswal , 1983 All LJ 1197.
The expression, ‘for any reason’ used in section 6C (2) of the Act should be understood in broader and larger sense as it appears from the context in which it has been used; N. Nagendra Rao & Co. v. State of Andhra Pradesh , AIR 1994 SC 2663.
3. The words “the State Government concerned and the State Government” subs. by Act 18 of 1981, sec. 5(a) as amended by Act 34 of 1993, sec. 3, for “any judicial authority appointed by the State Government and the judicial authority” for a period of fifteen years, now they stand ceased to have effect after the expiry of fifteen years. See Appendix — Section 5(a) of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
4. The words “the State Government” subs. by Act 18 of 1981, sec. 5(b) as amended by Act 34 of 1993, sec. 3, for “such judicial authority” for a period of fifteen years, now they stand ceased to have effect after the expiry of fifteen years, See Appendix — Section 5(b) of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
5. Subs. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 6(a), for “return the foodgrains or edible oilseeds or edible oils seized” (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
7. Subs. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 6(b), for “as if the foodgrains, edible oilseeds or edible oils, as the case may be,” (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
8. Subs. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 6(c), for “articles” (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
9. Subs. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 6(d), for certain words (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
6-D AWARD OF CONFISCATION NOT TO INTERFERE WITH OTHER PUNISHMENTS.
6E. Bar of jurisdiction in certain cases.
1. Ins. by Act 92 of 1976, sec. 7 (w.e.f. 2-9-1976) and subs. by Act 42 of 1986, sec. 2 (w.e.f. 9-9-1986).
2. The words “the State Government concerned under section 6C” subs. by Act 18 of 1981 as amended by Act 34 of 1993, for “the judicial authority appointed under section 6C” for a period of fifteen years, now they stand ceased to have effect after the expiry of fifteen years. See Appendix — Section 6(a) of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
3. The words “any court, tribunal or other authority” subs. by Act 18 of 1981 as amended by Act 34 of 1993, for “any other court, tribunal or authority” for a period of fifteen years, now they stand ceased to have effect after the expiry of fifteen years. See Appendix — Section 6(b) of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
(c) any packing, covering or receptacle in which the property is found and any animal, vehicle, vessel or other conveyance used in carrying the property shall, if the Court so orders, be forfeited to the Government.
(2) If any person to whom a direction is given under Cl. (b) of sub-section (4) of Sec. 3 fails to comply with the direction, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months but which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.
2. Subs. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 6, for sub-section (1) (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974). Earlier sub-section (1) was amended by Act 25 of 1966, sec. 4 (w.e.f. 3-9-1966) and by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 7(a) (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
3. Proviso was omitted by Act 18 of 1981, sec. 7(a) as amended by Act 34 of 1993, sec. 3 for a period of fifteen years which now stands restored after the expiry of fifteen years. See Appendix — Section 7(a) Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
4. Subs. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 6, for sub-section (2) (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974). Earlier sub-section (2) was amended by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 8(b) (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
5. Proviso was omitted by Act 18 of 1981, sec. 7(b) as amended by Act 34 of 1993, sec. 3 for a period of fifteen years which now stands restored after the expiry of fifteen years. See Appendix — Section 7(b) of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
6. Proviso was omitted by Act 18 of 1981, sec. 7(c) as amended by Act 34 of 1993, sec. 3 for a period of fifteen years which now stands restored after the expiry of fifteen years. See Appendix — Section 7(c) of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
7. Sub-section (2B) was omitted by Act 18 of 1981, sec.7(d) as amended by Act 34 of 1993,sec. 3 for a period of fifteen years which now stands restored after the expiry of fifteen years. See Appendix —Section 7(d) of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
8. Ins. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 7(c) (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
Section 7-A POWER OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO RECOVER CERTAIN AMOUNTS AS ARREARS OF LAND REVENUE.
1POWER OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO RECOVER CERTAIN AMOUNTS AS ARREARS OF LAND REVENUE.
(b) deposit any amount to the credit of any account or fund constituted by or in pursuance of any order made under that section. makes any default in paying or depositing the whole or any part of such amount, the amount in respect of which such default has been made shall whether such order was made before or after the commencement of the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 1984, and whether the liability of such person to pay or deposit such amount arose before or after such commencement be recoverable by Government together with simple interest due thereon computed at the rate 2[fifteen per cent.] per annum from the date of such default to the date of recovery of such amount, as an arrear of land revenue 3[or as a public demand].
Government from recovering any amount as an arrear of land revenue [ 56 or as a public demand 56 ] in pursuance of the provisions of sub-section (1).
(4) If any order, in pursuance of which any amount has been recovered by Government as an arrear of land revenue [ 57 or as a public demand 57 ] under sub-section (1) is declared by a competent Court, after giving to the Government a reasonable opportunity of being heard, to be invalid, the Government shall refund the amount so recovered by it to the person from whom it was recovered, together with simple interest due thereon, computed at the rate of 4[ fifteen per cent. ] per annum, from the date of recovery of such amount to the date on which such refund is made.
1. Ins. by Act 34 of 1984, sec. 2 (w.e.f. 1-7-1984).
2. Subs. by Act 42 of 1986, sec. 3, for “six per cent.” (w.e.f. 8-9-1986).
3. Ins. by Act 42 of 1986, sec. 3 (w.e.f. 8-9-1986).
4. Subs. by Act 42 of 1986, sec. 3, for “six per cent.” (w.e.f. 8-9-1986).
8 . ATTEMPTS AND ABETMENT.
1. Proviso was ins. by Act 18 of 1981 as amended Act 34 of 1993 for a period of fifteen years. It now stands ceased to have effect after the expiry of fifteen years. See Appendix — Section 8 of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
(ii) makes any such statement as aforesaid in any book, account, record declaration, return or other document which he is required by any such order to maintain or furnish, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 1[ five years,] or with fine, or with both.
1. Subs. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 8, for “three years” (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
1[10A. Offences to be cognizable 2[3[***]]—Notwithstanding anything contained in 4[the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)] every offence punishable under this Act shall be *cognizable 2[3[***]]].
1. Ins. by Act 36 of 1967, sec. 9 (w.e.f. 30-12-1967).
2. The words “and bailable” omitted by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 7 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
3. After the word “cognizable” the words “and non-bailable” were ins. by Act 18 of 1981 as amended by Act 34 of 1993 for a period of fifteen years, now they stand ceased to have effect after the expiry of fifteen years. See Appendix — Section 9 of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
4. Subs. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 7, for “the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898)” (w.e.f. 22-6-1974).
5. Section 10AA was ins. by Act 34 of 1993 for a period of fifteen years which now stands ceased to have effect after the expiry of fifteen years. See Appendix — Section 9A of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
1 POWER OF COURT TO PUBLISH NAME, PLACE OF BUSINESS, ETC., OF COMPANIES CONVICTED UNDER THE ACT.
(2) No publication under sub-section (1) shall be made until the period for preferring an appeal against the order of the Court has expired without any appeal having been preferred, or such an appeal, having been preferred, has been disposed of.
For the purposes of this section, “company” has the meaning assigned to it in Cl.(a) of the explanation to See. 10.
1. Ins. by Act 30 of 1974, sec.8 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
10-C PRESUMPTION OF CULPABLE MENTAL STATE.
charged as an offence in that prosecution.
In this section, “culpable mental state” includes intention, motive, knowledge of a fact and the belief in, or reason to believe, a fact.
1. Ins. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 8 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
No Court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under this Act except on a report in writing of the facts constituting such offence made by a person who is a public servant as defined in Sec. 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) [ 68 or any person aggrieved or any recognised consumer association, whether such person is a member of that association or not 68 ].
“recognised consumer association” means a voluntary consumer association registered under the Companies Act, 1956(1 of 1956) or any other law for the time being in force.
1. Ins. by Act 73 of 1986, sec. 2 (w.e.f. 1-5-1987).
12 Special provision regarding fine.
1. Subs. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 9 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
2. Section 12 was omitted by Act 18 of 1981 as amended by Act 34 of 1993 for a period of fifteen years which now stands restored after the expiry of fifteen years. See Appendix — Section 10 of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
(3) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in 8[the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974),] there shall be no appeal by a convicted person in any case tried summarily under this section in which the Magistrate passes a sentence of imprisonment not exceeding one month, 9[and of fine not exceeding two thousand rupees] whether or not any order of forfeiture of property or an order under 10[section 452] of the said Code is made in addition to such sentences, but an appeal shall lie where any sentence 11[***] in excess of the aforesaid limits is passed by the Magistrate.
(iii) in sub-section (4), after the words, figure and brackets, “under sub-section (1)” the words, figure, letter and brackets “or under sub-section (1A)” shall be inserted.
Ed. These amendments are prior to the amendments made by the Central Act 30 of 1974 (w.e.f. 22-6-1974).
2. Ins. by Act 47 of 1964, sec. 2 (w.e.f. 5-11-1964).
sec. 3 for a period of fifteen years which now stands ceased to have effect after the expiry of fifteen years. The original section 12A as inserted by Act 47 of 1964, sec. 2 (w.e.f. 5-11-1964) and amended by Act 66 of 1971 and by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 10 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974) has been restored. See Appendix — Section 11 of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
4. Subs. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 10, for “any essential commodity” (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
5. Added by Act 66 of 1971, sec. 5 (w.e.f. 23-12-1971).
6. Subs. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 10, for sub-section (2) (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
7. Sub-clause (i) omitted by Act 54 of 2006, sec. 5 (w.e.f. 12-2-2007). Sub-clause (i), before omission, stood as under: ‘(i) cotton or woollen textiles; or’.
8. Subs. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 10, for “the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898)” (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
9. Subs. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 10, for “or of fine not exceeding two thousand rupees or both” (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
10. Subs. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 10, for “section 517” (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
11. The words “of imprisonment or fine” omitted by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 10 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
12. Subs. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 10, for sub-section (4), (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
13. Sections 12AA, 12AB, 12AC were substituted by Act 18 of 1981, sec. 11, for section 12 as amended by Act 34 of 1993, sec. 3 for a period of fifteen years which now stand ceased to have effect after the expiry of fifteen years. Earlier section 12AA was amended by Act 42 of 1986, sec. 4 (w.e.f. 8-9-1986) and by Act 73 of 1986, sec. 3 (w.e.f. 1-5-1987). See Appendix — Section 11 of the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 (18 of 1981).
Section 12-B GRANT OF INJUNCTION, ETC., BY CIVIL COURTS.
1GRANT OF INJUNCTION, ETC., BY CIVIL COURTS.
1. Ins. by Act 30 of 1974, sec. 11 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1974).
13 PRESUMPTION AS TO ORDERS.
14 BURDEN OF PROOF IN CERTAIN CASES.
document shall be on him.
15 PROTECTION OF ACTION TAKEN UNDER ACT.
(1) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of any order made under Sec. 3.
(2) No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Government for any damage caused or likely to be caused by anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of any order made under Sec. 3.
Section 15-A. PROSECUTION OF PUBLIC SERVANT.
1 PROSECUTION OF PUBLIC SERVANT.
1. Ins. by Act 92 of 1976, sec. 8 (w.e.f. 2-9-1976).

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