PALAKDHARI SINGH & OTHERS. vs THE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND ANOTHER

The Supreme Court held that Section 70 of the Indian Penal Code applies to fines imposed by Panchayati Adalats, establishing that recovery of such fines is barred after six years from the date of conviction. The Court ruled that the limitation period begins from the date of the sentence, and the filing of an appeal or revision does not automatically suspend the operation of the sentence unless explicitly stated. Consequently, the High Court's order allowing recovery of the fine was set aside, affirming the applicability of Section 70 IPC to Panchayati Adalat convictions.