|Allahabad High Court
PFA Act Section 7/16 | Commutation of Sentence Permissible with Additional Fine Despite Statutory Minimum: Allahabad HC Balances Delayed Justice and Societal Harm
Allahabad High Court allows commutation of a one-year sentence under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act to a fine deposit of Rs. 10,000, despite the statutory minimum sentence, citing a 15-year delay in justice. The ruling underscores judicial discretion to balance societal harm with prolonged incarceration, setting a precedent for similar cases involving delayed trials.