MOHD. USMAN vs STATE OF BIHAR

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellant under Section 5(3) of the Indian Explosives Act, 1884 for allowing minors to work in the manufacture of fireworks, thus violating Rule 16 of the Explosives Rules, 1940. The Court clarified that Clause (a) of Section 5(3) pertains to contraventions related to manufacturing, while Clause (c) covers other breaches. It was determined that the evidence did not establish that the minors were engaged in activities specified in Clauses (a) or (b), thus the conviction was appropriately under Clause (c). The sentence of two years rigorous imprisonment and a fine was affirmed.