MALKIAT SINGH & ANR. vs STATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court held that under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and Paragraph 3 of the Punjab Paddy (Export Control) Order, 1959, the appellants did not commit an offence as the paddy was seized within the Punjab boundary, thus no export occurred. The Court established that mere preparation does not constitute an attempt to commit an offence under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act. The appeal was allowed, and the convictions were set aside.