Emp.State Insurance Corporation vs A.K.Abdul Samad & Anr

The Supreme Court interpreted Section 85(a)(i)(b) of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation Act, clarifying that while the court has discretion to impose a lesser term of imprisonment, it does not extend to reducing the mandatory fine of five thousand rupees. The Court held that the statutory language mandates both imprisonment and fine, thus the High Court's decision to impose a lesser fine was incorrect. The appeal was allowed, reinforcing the imperative nature of the penalties prescribed by the Act.