Law: Punjab Food Authority Act, 2011

Section: 2(k), 22-A, 23 & 24

Law: Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898

Section: 497

 Summary

The High Court dismissed the post-arrest bail petition of the petitioner accused of transporting 2400 liters of synthetic/adulterated milk, holding that he squarely fell within the definition of “food operator” under section 2(k) of the Punjab Food Authority Act, 2011. Given that the recovered quantity exceeded the statutory threshold of 500 liters, the offence attracted section 22-A (large-scale adulteration), a non-bailable offence. Despite the case not falling within the prohibitory clause of section 497 Cr.P.C., bail was refused due to the grave nature of the offence, its serious public health implications, and the existence of exceptional circumstances.

Tag Line 

Transportation of adulterated milk in quantities exceeding the statutory limit constitutes large-scale offence under section 22-A of the Punjab Food Authority Act; bail can be refused even outside the prohibitory clause where public health is gravely endangered.

ORDER;