Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973–Secs. 473 & 468 [Corresponding Secs. 519 & 514 of BNSS, 2023]–Electricity Act, 2003–Secs. 135 & 136–Cognizance for the offence by condoning the delay of four years–Justification–Merely stating that Investigation Officer was transferred and in the meantime, he was again re-transferred on the same place would not support for seeking the condonation of delay–Assertion that Investigation Officer could not ascertain the whereabouts of the petitioners is totally baseless and unfounded–Merely for the reason that the offence is relating to public property would not make the provisions of Sec. 468 redundant and otiose–Impugned orders are liable to be quashed and set aside.
