Supreme Court of India · 2020-11-05
HINDUSTAN UNILEVER LIMITED vs THE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH
- Citation / case number
- SC 2020/1688
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Petitioner
- HINDUSTAN UNILEVER LIMITED
- Respondent
- THE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH
- Author
- HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE HEMANT GUPTA
- Bench
- HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE L. NAGESWARA RAO, HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE HEMANT GUPTA, HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE AJAY RASTOGI
Judgment text excerpt
The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to set aside the conviction of Nirmal Sen, a nominated officer of Hindustan Unilever Limited, under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. The Court emphasized the necessity for the trial court to revisit the evidence and provide a fresh judgment, particularly considering the company's status as an accused. The ruling clarified that if the company is acquitted, the same benefit extends to the nominated officer, thereby reinforcing the principle of fair trial and due process under Section 401(1) of the Cr.P.C.