Government of Gujarat vs GALIBBHAI BASHIRBHAI MIRZA Advocate - M A CHAUHAN — 16/2026

Judegement

Case Summary: Government of Gujarat vs. Galibbhai Bashirbhai Mirza Case No.: 16/2026 | Court: 6th Additional Sessions Judge, Surendranagar | Date: 17-03-2026 Decision The accused Galibbhai Bashirbhai Mirza was acquitted of charges under Section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act 2003 for alleged electricity theft. The court found reasonable doubt in the prosecution's case due to critical procedural defects, including failure to conduct proper panchnama with independent witnesses, lack of documentary evidence of property ownership, and absence of witness statements from nearby residents. Reasoning The court held that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. Key evidentiary gaps included: no proper search memo under CrPC Section 100(4), no seizure of materials used for alleged theft, no independent witnesses present during inspection, and insufficient documentary evidence establishing the accused's ownership/occupation of the premises. Relying on precedent (Bapupuri case), the court emphasized that electricity theft cases require strict procedural compliance and concrete corroborating evidence. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.

Disposed

6th Addl District Judge

Final Arguments

6th Addl District Judge

Evidence Of Prosecution

6th Addl District Judge

First hearing

Initial hearing scheduled

Case filed

Registration No. 16/2026