In Brief
In this criminal appeal, the Supreme Court reversed a High Court conviction of Prem Chand for food adulteration under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, and restored the trial court's acquittal. The court found the prosecution failed to establish the charge because: the public analyst's report lacked explicit finding that the sample was 'insect infested' or 'unfit for human consumption'; the chain of custody was broken (no parcel receipt, unexplained delay); and the food inspector's own cross-examination revealed he saw no defects with naked eyes. The court held that benefit of doubt must accrue to the accused where evidence is deficient and chain of custody is compromised.
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