STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH vs NARAYAN SINGH & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that Section 7(1) of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, encompasses contraventions committed unintentionally, thus negating the necessity of proving mens rea for conviction under the Fertiliser (Movement Control) Order, 1973. The Court found that the Trial Court and High Court erred in acquitting the respondents on the grounds of lack of mens rea, as the evidence established the act of exporting fertilisers without a valid permit. Consequently, the appeals by the State were allowed, and the acquittal was set aside.