Full Judgment Text
http://JUDIS.NIC.IN SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Page 1 of 1
PETITIONER:
UCO BANK
Vs.
RESPONDENT:
IYENGAR CONSULTANCY SERVICES PVT. LTD.
DATE OF JUDGMENT28/09/1993
BENCH:
ACT:
HEADNOTE:
JUDGMENT:
ORDER
The appellant his been convicted under Section 9 of the
Opium Act and sentenced to three years’ RI and to pay a fine
of Rs 5000, in default to undergo six months’ RI. He was
found in possession 23 kgs of opium. In the appeal
399
before the High Court the only question raised was that
though Occurrence took place on 31-5-1974 challan was filed
on 29-8-1977, therefore, no cognizance could have been taken
in view of Section 468 CrPC. The High Court has considered
this aspect and after referring to Section 473 CrPC held
that in the facts and circumstances of the case the court
can take cognizance if the delay has been properly explained
or that it is necessary to do so in the interest of justice.
In any event in this case an application was filed for
condoning the delay and also explaining the delay at a later
stage. According to the learned counsel for the appellant
such an application was filed only after almost at the time
of conclusion of trial and before judgment was delivered.
It may be noted Section 473 CrPC does not in any clear terms
lay down that the application should be filed at the time of
filing a challan itself. The words "so to do in the
interest of justice" are wide enough and the court accepted
the explanation. Therefore, there are no merits in this
appeal. The appeal is accordingly dismissed.