10/02/2026
Ss. 177, 185 & 497--- Penal Code (XLV of 1860), S. 462-J--- Electricity theft--- Bail--- Jurisdiction of Court--- First Information Report registered by FIA--- Dispute was with regard to territorial jurisdiction of Court to decide bail application of accused--- Offence was committed at place "P" and Court declined to decide bail application as FIR was registered by FIA and Special Court having jurisdiction was situated at place "G"---Validity---Place of occurrence was in territorial jurisdiction of place "P", therefore, Court at place "P" as Electricity Utility Court was competent to take cognizance of the offence and conduct trial of offence under S.462-G (a), P.P.C.---Court competent to take cognizance of offence and conduct trial of case, was competent to entertain and decide petition for bail--- Electricity Utility Court at place "P" was competent to entertain petition for bail and decide the same in accordance with law---In case of any doubt regarding jurisdiction to inquire into or try any offence, High Court under S.185 (1), Cr.P.C., was to decide about Court to inquire into or try the offence-High Court in exercise of powers vested under S.185 (1), Cr.P.C., decided that the Court (if otherwise competent to take cognizance) in whose territorial jurisdiction occurrence was committed i.e. place of occurrence was situated, would take cognizance of the offence and conduct trial of the case---Court of Electricity Utility Court at place "P" was Trial Court in the matter-- -Office objection was disposed of accordingly.
