STATE OF KERALA ETC. ETC. vs ALASERRY MOHAMMED ETC. ETC.

The Supreme Court addressed the interpretation of Rule 22 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955, under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, determining that the quantity of food samples required for analysis is mandatory for ensuring accurate results. The Court held that non-compliance with this rule does not automatically vitiate a trial or conviction under Section 16(1)(a)(ii) of the Act, but emphasized the importance of the Public Analyst's report as conclusive evidence unless successfully challenged. The judgment clarified the legal standards for food adulteration cases and the implications for acquittals based on prior rulings, reinforcing the binding nature of Supreme Court decisions under Article 141 of the Constitution.