Essential commodities act, 1955 (As amended up-to-date)

There are some useful commentaries on the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Publication of another one, and that too by an unknown author, runs the risk of taking it casually by the readers. But Act 18 of 1981 has made certain radical changes in the Essential Commodities Act. The public by and large as yet might not be quite conversant with the changes made by the amending Act, which came into force with effect from September 1. 1982. and the impact of this amend ment in the matter of investigation bail, cognizance, trial etc. of the offences under this Act. I have noticed confusion both at the Bar and Bench. To meet the needs of both the Bar and Bench and also of the general public, I thought it proper to formulate the legal position consequent upon the changes made by the amending Act of 1981. I have no hesitation to confess that I have taken help of different commentaries. I am deeply indebted to those distinguished authors and I take this opportunity to express my indebtedness and gratitude to them. Without claming any originality I humbly submit that I had to give my own views on different con troversial points. I would surely wait for the decisions of the highest Courts to see how far I was correct.

I would like to record my warm appreciation of the help that I have received from Sri N.K.Batabyal, W.B.H.J.S. in the preparation of this book. I frankly con fess that I have derived great benefit from his scholarly and perceptive comments on many aspects. Of course, the responsibility for the shortcomings of this book remains entirely mine. This edition owes a lot to Sri Kamal Lodha of Kamal Law House. He not only readily accepted my manuscript but also took initiative in collecting and arranging the matter, which I sincerely feel. is an uphill task. My heartful thanks are to Sri Sankar Kr. Debnath who had taken immense pains to prepare the manuscript for the press.

I will be amply rewarded if the book is found useful. Any suggestion for improvement will be highly appreciated and acknowledged with thanks.The reason for the addendum is to present a reasonably accurate account of this special branch of law as it stood on the day when the preface was written.