S. S. BYAS, J. - (1.) THIS revision was admitted on a limited question as to whether the benefit of the probation should be extended to the accused-petitioner under the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958. The undisputed facts are that 50 bottles of illicit liquor were found in possession of the accused on 4. 8. 1981. . He was convicted by the trial court under sec. 4. (2) of the Rajasthan Prohibition Act, 1969 and sentenced to two years' rigorous imprisonment. The accused went in appeal which was heard and decided by the Additional Sessions Judge No. 1, Sri Ganganagar. He partly allowed the appeal, maintained the conviction but reduced the sentence from two years to six months. The accused has approached this Court.
(2.) IT was argued by Mr. Garg that the offence was committed on 4. 8. 1981 and the Rajasthan Prohibition Act, 1969 was repealed on 11. 8. 1981. He has relied upon several decisions of this Court in which the benefits of probation was extended to the accused found guilty of offence u/s. 4 (2) of the Rajasthan Prohibition Act, 1969. The offence was committed on 4. 8. 1981 and the Rajasthan Prohibition Act, 1969 is now a dead law. No previous conviction stands at the discredit of the accused. In these circumstances, it would not be improper to extend the benefit of probation to the accused u/s 4 of the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958. In the result, the revision is partly allowed. The conviction of accused Baldeo Singh alias Baljeet Singh u/s 4 (2) of the Rajasthan Prohibition Act, 1969 is maintained but the sentences awarded to him thereunder are set aside. Instead of sentencing him at once to any punishment, it is directed that he be released on his entering into a bond in a sum of Rs. 2,000/- (Rs. two thousand only) together with one surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the learned Munsif & Judicial Magistrate, Sri Karanpur to appear and receive sentences when called upon during two years and in the meantime to keep the peace and be a good behaviour. The accused be released as well as the aforesaid bonds are furnished. .;