In Brief
The Managing Director of Berger Paints India Ltd. appealed against criminal proceedings following a 2006 factory fire in Goa that caused only minor injuries. The Inspector of Factories alleged violations of the Factories Act regarding unlicenced premises and inadequate fire prevention measures. The Supreme Court, noting the Police closure report found no criminal charges warranted, the vague complaint lacked specific details, and the appellant was now over 70 years old, accepted a guilty plea with a fine of Rs. 1,00,000 rather than imprisonment. The Court disposed of the appeal and vacated an interim order, clarifying the judgment applied only to this case's peculiar circumstances."
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