Police Lacked Jurisdiction Under Essential Commodities Act for PDS Goods Seizure

Siddappa Vs State of Karnataka (Karnataka High Court) In a significant ruling concerning the enforcement of the Essential Commodities Act, the Karnataka High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against petitioners in the case of Siddappa Vs State of Karnataka. The High Court’s decision centered on the lack of jurisdiction of police officers to conduct search and seizure operations under the specific provisions of the Karnataka Essential Commodities (Public Distribution System) Control Order, 1992. This judgment reinforces the principle that only designated authorities are empowered to...