In Brief
The State of Andhra Pradesh appealed against the High Court's decision upholding the acquittal of respondents charged under sections 135 and 138 of the Indian Electricity Act, 2003. The principal issue was whether a criminal complaint filed by an Inspector of Police was maintainable when that officer lacked statutory authority to investigate and levy charges under Section 151 of the Act at the time of the alleged offence. The Supreme Court affirmed the High Court's view that the complaint was not maintainable due to this material irregularity, justifying the accused's acquittal, and dismissed the State's appeal accordingly.
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