DY.COMMNR., DAKSHINA KANNADA DISTT. vs RUDOLPH FERNANDES

The Supreme Court addressed the interpretation of Section 6A(1) of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, regarding the imposition of fines for confiscated vehicles. The Court held that the fine should be based on the market price of the essential commodity being transported, not the vehicle itself. The Court upheld the High Court's decision to reduce the fine amount, emphasizing that the second proviso to Section 6A(1) aims to prevent undue hardship on vehicle owners while ensuring compliance with the law.