In Brief
This case concerns a criminal appeal challenging a conviction under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. A milk sample was found to have 7.7% Milk Solid Non-Fat (MSNF) against the prescribed standard of 8.5%. The appellant sought leniency citing the marginal shortfall. The Supreme Court held that marginal deficiencies in food safety standards do not justify acquittal, and the Court's discretionary power under Article 142 cannot be used to impose sentences below statutory minimums, as this would undermine food safety laws and create dangerous precedent in other serious criminal offences. The appeal was dismissed.
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