KK Luthra Memorial Moot Court Competition, 2016: Best Memorial - Petitioners

XII K.K.
LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

MEMORIAL ON BEHALF OF PETITIONERS
URN:
URN:1265
1265
XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT, 2016
Before
THE SUPREME COURT OF ARKHAM
JAMES MORRISON ..PETITIONER 1

ARISTOTLE .........PETITIONER 2
NAJEEDA SHAH... ...PETITIONER 3
RUFUS GREY... ...PETITIONER 4
v.
STATE OF ARKHAM........ RESPONDENT
[MEMORIAL ON BEHALF OF THE PETITIONERS]

i
XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF AUTHORITIES ............................................................................................................ iii
STATEMENT OF FACTS ..............................................................................................................vii
ISSUES RAISED ........................................................................................................................ viii
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS ..................................................................................................... viii
WRITTEN PLEADINGS .................................................................................................................. 1
[1].
THE PREVENTION
OF
ARKHAM GOVERNMENT SECRETS ACT, 1892
SHOULD BE
STRUCK DOWN ........................................................................................................................ 1
[1.1] THE POAGSA IS REDUNDANT AND OTIOSE ................................................................ 1

[1.2] THE POAGSA
IS AGAINST THE
LETTER
AND
SPIRIT
OF THE
FREEDOM
OF
INFORMATION ACT ............................................................................................................. 2

[1.3] THE DOCTRINE OF SEVERABILITY DOES NOT APPLY IN THE INSTANT CASE ................. 6
[2].
THE ENTIRE PROSECUTION
SHOULD BE QUASHED AS THE SPECIAL COURT HAS NO
JURISDICTION TO TRY THE PETITIONERS .................................................................................. 7
[2.1] THE PETITIONERS ARE NOT PUBLIC SERVANTS ............................................................ 7

[2.2] THE OFFENCES COMMITTED BY PETITIONERS CONSTITUTE A SEPARATE TRANSACTION
............................................................................................................................................ 8
[2.3] IN
ANY CASE, THE
SPECIAL COURT
LACKS JURISDICTION OWING TO ABSENCE OF
SANCTION.......................................................................................................................... 10
[3].
THE INDICTMENTS MUST BE QUASHED ..................................................................... 10
[3.1] THE PROSECUTION STORY IS UNRELIABLE ................................................................ 11

[3.2] PRIMA FACIE CASE IS NOT MADE OUT WITH REGARD TO THE REQUISITE MENS REA ... 12
[3.3] THE
ELEMENTS OF THE OFFENCES CHARGED CANNOT BE MADE OUT FROM THE
RECORD ............................................................................................................................. 13
[4].
PROCEEDINGS SHOULD BE STAYED DURING THE PENDENCY OF THE WRIT PETITION .. 16
[4.1] STAY CAN BE GRANTED FOR ILLEGAL OR DEFECTIVE SANCTION ............................... 17

[4.2] SANCTION IS REQUIRED FOR THE ACTS OF EDDIE AND ELVIS .................................... 17
PRAYER..................................................................................................................................... 17
ii

TABLE OF AUTHORITIES
CONSTITUTIONS
1. The Constitution of Arkham..1, 2
2. The Constitution of India, 1950.1, 2
STATUTES
1. Arkham Government Secrets Act, 1892 [Arkham] ............................................... 15, 16
2. Arkham Penal (Provisions and Punishment) Act, 1963 [Arkham] .............................. 13
3. Criminal Code of Procedure and Rules, 1920 [Arkham] ......................................... 8, 11
4. The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 [India]. ............................................................ 8
5. The Indian Penal Code, 1860 [India] ..................................................................... 14, 15
6. The Prevention and Punishment of Corruption Act, 1998 [Arkham] .......................... 16
7. The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 [India] ....................................................... 7, 8
8. Theft Act, 1968 [United Kingdom] ............................................................................. 14
CASES
1. Abdul Wahab Ansari v. State of Bihar, (2004) 27 OCR (SC) 315 .............................. 10
2. AIR India v. Nergesh Meerza, AIR 1981 SC 1829 ....................................................... 5
3. Attorney General for Alberta v. Attorney General for Canada, 1947 AC 503 .............. 6
4. Attorney General v. Guardian Newspapers Ltd., [1990] 1 AC 109 .............................. 3
5. Attorney General v. Jonathan Cape Ltd., (1975) 3 All ER 485 ..................................... 3
6. Bhanuprasad Hariprasad Dave v. State of Gujarat, AIR 1968 SC 1323...................... 11
7. Bishnu Prasad Mohapatra v. Harihar Patnaik, 1992 Cri LJ 2701 ................................ 10
8. C. Magesh v. State of Karnataka, AIR 2010 SC 2768 ................................................. 11
9. C.B.I. v. Abhishek Verma, 2009 Indlaw SC 701 ......................................................... 16
10. C.B.I. v. Ravishankar Prasad, (2009) 6 SCC 351 .......................................................... 7
11. Chandler v. D.P.P., [1962] 3 All E.R. 142..................................................................... 3
12. Chintaman Rao v. State of Madhya Pradesh, AIR 1951 SC 118 ................................... 3
13. Choragudi Venkatadri v. Emperor, (1910) 20 MLJ 220 ................................................ 9
14. Commonwealth of Australia v. John Fairfax and Sons Ltd., (1981) 147 CLR 39 ........ 3
15. Connelly v. Director of Public Prosecutions, 1964 AC 1254 ........................................ 7
16. D.C.Wadhwa v. State of Bihar, AIR 1987 SC 579 ........................................................ 6
iii

17. Dinesh Trivedi v. Union of India, 1997 (4) SCC 306 ................................................ 2, 3
18. Director of Public Prosecutions v. Humphrys, [1977] AC 1 ......................................... 7
19. Divisional Forest Officer v. G.V. Sudhakar Rao, (1985) 4 SCC 573 ............................ 7
20. Emperor v. Keshavlal Tribhuvandas, (1944) 46 BOMLR 555 ...................................... 9
21. G.A. Monterio v. State of Ajmer, AIR 1957 SC 13....................................................... 7
22. Kheybari Tea Co. Ltd. v. State of Assam, AIR 1964 SC 925 ....................................... 1
23. Kutbuddin v. State, AIR 1967 Raj 257 ........................................................................ 15
24. Leonard Hector v. Attorney General of Antiqua and Barbuda, (1990) 2 A.C. 312 ....... 4
25. Life Insurance Corporation of India v. Prof. Manubhai D. Shah, 1992 (3) SCC 637 ... 2
26. Lockley v. Unknown, (1920) 38 MLJ 209 .................................................................... 9
27. M.O. Shamshudhin v. State of Kerala, (1995) 1 SCC 351 .......................................... 11
28. Major E.G. Barsey v. State of Bombay, AIR 1961 SC 1762....................................... 11
29. Mohd. Iqbal Ahmed v. State of Andhra Pradesh, AIR 1979 SC 677 .......................... 10
30. Nabijan v. Emperor, AIR 1947 Pat 212 ......................................................................... 9
31. Namit Sharma v. Union of India, (2013) 1 SCC 745................................................. 1, 2
32. Nirupama Dey v. Chaitanya Dalua, 2004 Cri LJ 704 .................................................. 10
33. Oxford v. Moss, (1978) 68 Cr App R 183 ................................................................... 14
34. P Nallamal v. State, 1999 Cri LJ 1591....................................................................... 7, 8
35. R v. Parrott, (1913) 8 Cr. App. R. 186 ......................................................................... 15
36. R v. Prince, L.R. 2 C.C.R. 154 (1875) ......................................................................... 12
37. R v. Stewart, (1988) 50 DLR ....................................................................................... 14
38. R v. Tolson, (1889) 23 QBD 168 ................................................................................. 12
39. R. v. Fell, [1963] Crim. L.R. 207 ................................................................................... 3
40. R. v. Ponting, [1985] Crim. L.R. 318 ............................................................................ 3
41. R.M.D. Chamarbaugwalla v. Union of India, AIR 1957 SC 628 .................................. 7
42. R.P. Kapur v. State of Punjab, AIR 1960 SC 862 ................................................. 10, 11
43. Ram Swaroop v. State, 1986 Cri LJ 526 ...................................................................... 15
44. Ramaraja Tevan v. Emperor, 32 Cr LJ 30 ..................................................................... 9
45. Ramaraja Tevan v. Emperor, 32 Cr LJ 30; Emperor v. Keshavlal Tribhuvandas,
(1944) 46 BOMLR 555 .................................................................................................. 9
46. Ramesh Chand Jain v. State of Madhya Pradesh, ILR [1992] MP 812 ..................... 7, 8
47. Ramlal v. State of Bombay, AIR 1960 SC 961 ..................................................... 12, 13
48. Reliance Petrochemicals Ltd. v. Proprietors of Indian Express Newspapers, 1988 (4)
SCC 592 ......................................................................................................................... 3
iv

49. S.P. Gupta v. Union of India, AIR 1982 SC 149 ........................................................... 3

50. Safi Mohd. v. State of Rajasthan, 2013 Indlaw SC 247 .............................................. 15
51. Sama Alana Abdulla v. State of Gujarat, (1996) 1 SCC 427 ............................. 4, 13, 16
52. Sarkar, THE CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, 1174, Vol II, (10th edn., 2012)............... 9
53. Sarwan Singh v. State of Punjab, AIR 1957 SC 637 ............................................. 12, 13
54. Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting v. Cricket Association of Bengal,
1995 (2) SCC 161 .......................................................................................................... 2
55. Shamsher Bahadur Saxena v. State of Bihar, AIR 1956 Pat 404 .................................. 9
56. Shapurji Sorabji v. Emperor, 162 Ind Cas 399 .............................................................. 9
57. Sheela Barse v. State of Maharashtra, 1987 (4) SCC 373 ............................................. 3
58. Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, AIR 2015 SC 1523 .................................................. 4
59. State of Andhra Pradesh v. Cheemalapati Ganeswara Rao, AIR 1960 SC 1850........... 9
60. State of Andhra Pradesh v. McDowell and Co., (1996) 3 SCC 709 .............................. 1
61. State of Bihar v. Basawan Singh, AIR 1958 SC 500 ................................................... 11
62. State of Bihar v. Kameshwar Singh, AIR 1952 SC 252 ................................................ 7
63. State of Bombay v. F.N.Balsara, AIR 1951 SC 318 ...................................................... 7
64. State of Gujarat v. Somabhai Lalabhai, 1975 Cri LJ 74 .............................................. 12
65. State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal, AIR 1992 SC 604 ..................................................... 11
66. State of Himachal Pradesh v. M.P. Gupta, 2004 SCC (Cri) 539 ................................. 10
67. State of Karnataka v. L. Muniswamy, AIR 1977 SC 1489.......................................... 11
68. State of Madras v. V.G. Row, AIR 1952 SC 196 .......................................................... 6
69. State of Rajasthan v. Mangtu Ram, AIR 1962 Raj 155 ................................................. 9
70. State of Uttar Pradesh v. Raj Narain, AIR 1975 SC 865 ........................................... 2, 3
71. State of West Bengal v. Gopal Sarkar, (2002) 1 SCC 495 ............................................ 7
72. State of West Bengal v. Sujit Kumar Rana, AIR 2004 SC 1851 ................................... 7
73. Suraj Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh, 2008 (11) SCR 286 ......................................... 11
74. Tata Press Ltd. v. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd., 1995 (5) SCC 139 .................... 2
75. The Government of N.C.T. of Delhi v. Jaspal Singh, 2003 Indlaw SC 599 .......... 13, 16
76. Trimbak v. State of Madhya Pradesh, AIR 1954 SC 39 .............................................. 15
77. Union of India v. Motion Picture Association, 1999 (6) SCC 150 ................................ 2
78. United States v. Reese, 92 U.S. 214 (1875) ................................................................... 4
79. University of Calcullta v. Pritam Rooj, (2009) 1 CHN 795 .......................................... 2
80. Vinod Kumar v. State of Punjab, AIR 2015 SC 1206 ................................................. 11
81. Virupana Gowd v. Emperor, (1915) 28 MLJ 397 .......................................................... 9
v

82. Vivek Gupta v. C.B.I., 2004 SCC (Cri) 51 ................................................................ 7, 8

83. Woolmington v. D.P.P., 1935 AC 462 ........................................................................ 12
BOOKS
1. A.B. Kafaltiya, INTERPRETATION OF STATUTES ............................................................. 2
2. Andrew Ashworth, PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LAW ..................................................... 14
3. M.P. Jain & S.N. Jain, PRINCIPLES OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW................................... 3, 5
4. M.R. Reddi, ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS AND DEPARTMENTAL ENQUIRIES .................... 10
5. Patrick Birkinshaw, FREEDOM
OF INFORMATION:
THE LAW, THE PRACTICE
AND
THE
IDEAL .............................................................................................................................. 5
6. S.C. Sarkar, THE CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ............................................... 8, 9, 10
7. S.P. Sathe, RIGHT TO INFORMATION ............................................................................... 3
8. S.P.Sathe, ADMINISTRATIVE LAW .................................................................................. 3
9. Smith and Hogans Criminal Law 29 (David Ormerod ed., 13th edn., 2011) .............. 12
ARTICLES
1. Rosamund M. Thomas, The British Official Secrets Acts 1911-1939 and the Ponting
case, CRIMINAL LAW REVIEW ........................................................................................ 4
MISCELLANEOUS
1. 1st Report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, RIGHT
TO
INFORMATION MASTER KEY TO GOOD GOVERNANCE ..................................... 2, 4, 5, 6

2. 43rd Report of the Law Commission of India, OFFENCES
AGAINST THE
NATIONAL
SECURITY........................................................................................................................ 5
3. COMMONWEALTH (LATIMER HOUSE) PRINCIPLES
ON THE
ACCOUNTABILITY
OF AND
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT, 2003................ 6
4. European Convention on Human Rights, 1950 ........................................................... 14

5. Henry Campbell Black, BLACKS LAW DICTIONARY ..................................................... 1
vi

STATEMENT OF FACTS
BACKGROUND
Arkham is a former dutch colony and a member of the BRICS organization. Recently, it has
started making progress on tapping its natural resources. Unsurprisingly, foreign companies
have been increasingly drawn to make investments and conduct transactions in the field of
natural resources. Companies keep track of developments in this field through consulting
companies, among various other sources. These consulting companies, apparently, pay low
grade officials to steal documents from government documents. The Faltusa police had
launched a preliminary enquiry in this regard. An Information Report was filed under various
provisions of the Arkham Penal (Provisions and Punishment) Act, 1963, the Arkham
Government Secrets Act, 1892, and the Prevention and Punishment of Corruption Act, 1998.
THE TRAP AND THE INTERROGATION
Two persons named Eddie and Elvis, who were ad hoc employees in the Ministry of Natural
Resources, were caught red handed trying to steal documents from the Ministry. Several
documents, fake ID cards and duplicate keys were recovered from their possession. On
interrogation, they claimed that they were paid money to steal these documents by Mr. James
Morrison of M/s LDC Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Aristotle of M/s Rustum Energy Ltd., Mrs. Najeeda
Shah of M/s Mojo Energy Consultants Ltd. and Mr. Rufus Grey of M/s Grey Industries Ltd.
Bank statements revealed that they had indeed paid money to Eddie and Elvis.
The police searched the offices of these four persons and recovered certain documents. The
Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Finance stated that these documents were
classified. However, a reply to an RTI request revealed that there were no guidelines used to
classify these documents. Additionally, a high ranking government servant was quoted as
stating that such classification was done at the whims of the government.
THE PROCEEDINGS
Indictment was framed against these four persons in the Special Court constituted under the
Prevention and Punishment of Corruption Act, 1998, despite their not being public servants.
Additionally, the very foundational fact of the basis of classifying documents was in
question. Hence, Mr. Morrison, Mr. Aristotle, Mr. Grey and Mrs. Shah filed a writ petition in
the Supreme Court for quashing of proceedings and striking down of the Arkham
Government Secrets Act, 1892. Hence, the present matter.
vii

ISSUES RAISED
I.
IS THE PREVENTION OF ARKHAM GOVERNMENT SECRETS ACT, 1892 LIABLE TO BE STRUCK
DOWN?
II.
IS THE ENTIRE PROSECUTION AGAINST THE ACCUSED PERSONS LIABLE TO BE QUASHED?
III.
IS THE FORMAL NOTICE OF INDICTMENT LIABLE TO QUASHED?
IV.
SHOULD THE PROCEEDINGS BE STAYED DURING THE PENDENCY OF THIS WRIT PETITION?
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS
[1]. THE PREVENTION OF ARKHAM GOVERNMENT SECRETS ACT, 1892 SHOULD BE

STRUCK DOWN
The Prevention of Arkham Government Secrets Act should be struck down as being
redundant and otiose because the underlying purpose of the enactment was prevention of
dissemination of information which might but the national defence or economy at stake. This
objective is satisfied by virtue of exemptions provided under Section 50 of the Freedom of
Information Act. The Prevention of Arkham Government Secrets Act stands contrary to the
letter and spirit of the Freedom of Information Act for it does not acknowledge the
disclosures in public interest which is the bedrock of information regime under the Freedom
of Information Act. Further, the provisions of the Prevention of Arkham Government Secrets
Act are overbroad and suffer from the vice of excessive delegation which renders them
unconstitutional. Given what remains post the unconstitutionality of some provisions of
Prevention of Arkham Government Secrets Act cannot independently survive, the doctrine of
severability warrants the striking down of the entire enactment.
[2]. THE ENTIRE PROSECUTION SHOULD BE QUASHED AS THE SPECIAL COURT HAS NO
JURISDICTION TO TRY THE PETITIONERS
It is well established that the Special judge can try an accused person if he is a public servant
or if the offences committed by that person fall within the same transaction as that of a public
servant. It is submitted that in the instant case the court should use its inherent powers to
viii

quash the entire prosecution as the special court has no jurisdiction to try the accused persons
as, first, None of the petitioners are public servants. Secondly, the offences committed by the
petitioners constitute a different transaction. The petitioners are not public servants as they
not in the service or pay of the government, and they are not entrusted with any public duty.
Further, the acts of Eddie and Elvis and those of the petitioners had different objectives and
are not closely linked. Thus, it is submitted that the Court should use its inherent power to
quash the entire proceedings.
[3]. THE INDICTMENTS MUST BE QUASHED
The trial against any accused cannot proceed unless a consideration of the record of a case
and the documents submitted therewith provide sufficient ground for proceeding against
the accused. It is well settled that the inherent powers of a court to quash proceedings can be
used in a wide manner to secure the ends of justice. It has been held that it is not desirable to
lay down inflexible or exhaustive rules in this regard. It is submitted that, from the evidence
adduced in support of the charges in the instant case, first, the prosecution story is
questionable. Secondly, no prima facie case can be made out with regard to the requisite mens
rea. Thirdly, the elements of individual offences cannot be made out. Thus, it is submitted
that sufficient grounds do not exist for proceeding against the accused. Therefore the
indictments must be quashed.
[4]. PROCEEDINGS SHOULD BE STAYED DURING THE PENDENCY OF THE WRIT PETITION
It is well established that the proceedings can be stayed on the ground of defective or illegal
sanction only. The ground of illegal sanction would necessarily include absence of sanction
in the instances where the sanction is required to prosecute the public servant. It is well
established that the requirement of sanction entails a reasonable connection between the act
and public duty. Since Eddie and Elvis were appointed as ad hoc employees in the Ministry
of Natural Resources, it would be part of their duty to not reveal the confidential information
and documents of the ministry. Hence, it is submitted, that in the instant case sanction is
required, as the acts of the petitioners and their public duty have a reasonable connection.
Thus, the court should stay the proceedings till the pendency of the writ petitions.
ix

WRITTEN PLEADINGS
[1]. THE PREVENTION OF ARKHAM GOVERNMENT SECRETS ACT, 1892 SHOULD BE

STRUCK DOWN
1.
The Prevention of Arkham Government Secrets Act, 1892 [POAGSA] is sought to
be struck down via invocation of writ jurisdiction under Article 47(1) of the Constitution of
Arkham. Article 47(1) is analogous to Article 32(1) of the Constitution of India. In light of
this, the validity of a statute can be challenged on grounds of contravention of fundamental
rights [the rights which are conferred by the Constitution],1 absence of legislative competence
or unreasonableness of the law.2
2.
Admittedly, the court cannot strike down an enactment due to its perception that the
legislation is unnecessary or unwarranted.3 However, in the instant case, it is the cumulative

effect of the redundancy and otiosity of the non-disclosure regime under the POAGSA,
unconstitutionality of provisions that impose penalty for spying and wrongful communication
by being overbroad along with overall unreasonableness of the law, that merits striking down
of the POAGSA. It is submitted that POAGSA should be struck down because, first, the
POAGSA is redundant and otiose [1.1]. Secondly, the POAGSA is against the letter and spirit
of Freedom of Information Act, 2002 [1.2]. Thirdly, the doctrine of severability does not
apply in the instant case [1.3].
[1.1] THE POAGSA IS REDUNDANT AND OTIOSE
3.
Redundancy refers to the fault of introducing superfluous matter into a legal
instrument.4 The POAGSA was enacted to prevent disclosure of secrets which might put the
national defence or economy at stake.5 However, the enactment of the Freedom of
Information Act, 2002 [FOIA], inter alia, serves the above-mentioned purpose.
4.
Clauses (a), (c) and (e) of Section 41 of the FOIA comprehensively deal with the
exemptions that were envisaged to be made via the POAGSA. Hence, all the information that
is required to be exempted from disclosure can be done via Section 41 of FOIA. Security
classifications like secret, confidential and classified can be done in these exempted
Kheybari Tea Co. Ltd. v. State of Assam, AIR 1964 SC 925, 941.
Namit Sharma v. Union of India, (2013) 1 SCC 745, 10.
3
State of Andhra Pradesh v. McDowell and Co., (1996) 3 SCC 709, 43.
4
Henry Campbell Black, BLACKS LAW DICTIONARY 1009 (Bryan A. Garner ed., 9th edn., 2009).
5
Clarification No. 2, QUERIES AND CLARIFICATIONS, The K.K. Luthra Memorial Moot Court, 2016.
2

categories.6 A similar suggestion was made by the Second Administrative Reforms

Commission with respect to security classification vis--vis exemptions in the Right to
Information Act, 2005 in India.7 This indicates the redundancy of the exemptions provided
under the POAGSA.
[1.2] THE POAGSA
IS AGAINST THE
LETTER
AND
SPIRIT
OF THE
FREEDOM
OF
INFORMATION ACT
5.
It is well recognised that while the letter of the law is the body; the sense and reason
of the law is its soul. It is not the words of the law but the spirit and eternal sense of it that
makes the law meaningful.8 Though the power of the legislature to make laws is plenary, 9 the
determination of the constitutionality or validity of a provision requires weighing of the real
impact and effect of the legislation.10 Legislature cannot be allowed to employ indirect
methods to defeat the constitutional provisions.11
6.
The POAGSA is a pre-constitutional enactment.12 It was enacted 78 years prior to the
independence of Arkham.13 This scenario is similar to that of India. The Indian Official
Secrets Act, 1923 [OSA] was enacted in the colonial era to imbibe secrecy and
confidentiality in matters of governance. In light of the colonial climate of mistrust, the
public officials were accorded the primacy to deal with the citizens in the matters of
governance. The OSA spurred a culture of secrecy which resulted in confidentiality being the
norm and disclosure an exception.14
7.
This notion has undergone a transition post the enactment of the Constitution in
Arkham which provides for right to freedom of speech and expression. Article 6 of the
Constitution of Arkham is analogous to Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India. The
right to information has been held to be integral part of right to freedom of speech and
expression.15 Therefore, a transition from the era of secrecy to transparency has taken place.
6
3, Page 4, STATEMENT OF FACTS, The K.K. Luthra Memorial Moot Court, 2016.
1st Report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, RIGHT TO INFORMATION MASTER KEY TO
GOOD GOVERNANCE, 4.1.8 (June, 2006).
8
University of Calcullta v. Pritam Rooj, (2009) 1 CHN 795, 68.
9
A.B. Kafaltiya, INTERPRETATION OF STATUTES 214 (2008).
10
11
12
13
14 st
1 Report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, RIGHT TO INFORMATION MASTER KEY TO
15
State of Uttar Pradesh v. Raj Narain, AIR 1975 SC 865; Union of India v. Motion Picture Association, 1999
(6) SCC 150; Dinesh Trivedi v. Union of India, 1997 (4) SCC 306; Tata Press Ltd. v. Mahanagar Telephone
Nigam Ltd., 1995 (5) SCC 139; Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting v. Cricket Association of
Bengal, 1995 (2) SCC 161; Life Insurance Corporation of India v. Prof. Manubhai D. Shah, 1992 (3) SCC 637;
7

8.
The phrase reasonable restriction16 connotes that the limitation imposed on a
person in enjoyment of the right should not be arbitrary or of an excessive nature, beyond
what is required in the interests of the public.17 In this context, the POAGSA is against the
letter and spirit of FOIA because, first, the POAGSA does not recognise the Public Interest
Test [1.2.1]. Secondly, the provisions of the POAGSA are overbroad [1.2.2]. Thirdly, the
POAGSA suffers from the vice of excessive delegation of power [1.2.3].
[1.2.1] THE POAGSA DOES NOT RECOGNISE THE PUBLIC INTEREST TEST
9.
Section 50 of the FOIA provides for overriding effect of FOIA over the POAGSA.
Dealing with similar provisions, Prof. S.P. Sathe has opined that a harmonious reading of the
two enactments would result in substantially restricted information regime.18 It is submitted
that the two enactments cannot be harmoniously constructed as the underlying basis for both
the statutes is contrary to each other.
10.
In S.P. Gupta v. Union of India,19 it was held that the disclosure of documents that
pertain to the affairs of the state involves two competing dimensions of public interest viz.,
the right of the citizen to obtain disclosure of information and the right of the State to protect
the information relating to its crucial affairs.20 Despite the primacy being given to public
interest vis--vis disclosure of information, the POAGSA does not subscribe to the notion of
public interest.
11.
The provisions of POAGSA are analogous to that of the British Official Secrets Act,
1911 [British OSA] and the OSA. A catena of authorities states that public interest defence
cannot be claimed in matters pertaining to official secrets.21 The phrase in the interest of the
state cannot be equated with public interest.22 Accordingly, it is the disclosure which is
punishable and not the purpose of disclosure or prejudicial effect on certain interest deserving
protection within the national interest.23 Hence, by virtue of absence of a public interest
Reliance Petrochemicals Ltd. v. Proprietors of Indian Express Newspapers, 1988 (4) SCC 592; Sheela Barse v.
State of Maharashtra, 1987 (4) SCC 373; S.P. Gupta v. Union of India, AIR 1982 SC 149.
16
17
Chintaman Rao v. State of Madhya Pradesh, AIR 1951 SC 118, 8.
18
S.P.Sathe, ADMINISTRATIVE LAW 517 (6th edn., 1999).
19
S.P. Gupta v. Union of India, AIR 1982 SC 149, 72.
20
Attorney General v. Jonathan Cape Ltd., (1975) 3 All ER 485; Commonwealth of Australia v. John Fairfax
and Sons Ltd., (1981) 147 CLR 39, at 52; Attorney General v. Guardian Newspapers Ltd., [1990] 1 AC 109;
State of Uttar Pradesh v. Raj Narain, AIR 1975 SC 865; Dinesh Trivedi v. Union of India, 1997 (4) SCC 306.
21
Rosamund M. Thomas, The British Official Secrets Acts 1911-1939 and the Ponting case, CRIMINAL LAW
REVIEW 491-510 (August, 1980).
22
R. v. Ponting, [1985] Crim. L.R. 318; Chandler v. D.P.P., [1962] 3 All E.R. 142.
23
R. v. Fell, [1963] Crim. L.R. 207; M.P. Jain & S.N. Jain, PRINCIPLES OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW 323 (6th edn.,
2013); S.P. Sathe, RIGHT TO INFORMATION 90 (1st edn., 2006).

defence, the POAGSA is contrary to the letter and spirit of FOIA, provided the bedrock of
FOIA is public interest.
[1.2.2] THE PROVISIONS OF THE POAGSA ARE OVERBROAD
12.
Over-breadth is a recognised ground to test the vires of a legislation on the touchstone
of the Constitution.24 The provisions of FOIA are derived from Article 6 of the Constitution
of Arkham. The over-breadth of the provisions under the POAGSA have a chilling effect on
the right conferred by the Constitution. In Leonard Hector v. Attorney General of Antiqua
and Barbuda,25 it was stated that the provisions of a legislation were likely to be abused
because of the over-breath of the provision. They were struck down as unconstitutional for
the reason that they might cover situations which are not envisaged according to the object of
the statute. The Constitution does not permit legislature to set a net large enough to catch
all possible offenders and leave it to the Court to step in and say who could be rightfully
detained and who should be set at liberty.26 In the instant case, the enactment envisages
prevention of disclosure of secrets which might put the national defence or economy at
stake.27 This can be appreciated with respect to the provisions for, first, penalty for spying
[1.2.2.1] and secondly, wrongful communication and dissemination of information [1.2.2.2].
[1.2.2.1] Penalty for Spying
13.
The POAGSA does not define the term secret or the phrase official secrets.
Accordingly, public servants enjoy the discretion to classify anything as a secret. 28 In Sama
Alana Abdulla v. State of Gujarat,29 the Apex Court categorically stated that the word
secret in Section 3(1)(c) of the OSA (analogous to Section 7(1)(c) of POAGSA) qualifies
official code or pass word and thereby does not extend to other forms of information
mentioned in the section. However, sanction for other forms of information is provided by the
provision, if the accused is found in the conscious possession of the material and is unable to
offer a plausible explanation for the same.
14.
Consequently, a presumption is drawn that such matters were collected or obtained by
the accused for purposes prejudicial to the interests of the State. The necessary implication of
this is that a document, article, note, plan, model or sketch need not be a secret per se in order
24
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, AIR 2015 SC 1523, 90.

Leonard Hector v. Attorney General of Antiqua and Barbuda, (1990) 2 A.C. 312.
26
United States v. Reese, 92 U.S. 214 (1875).
27
28 st
29
Sama Alana Abdulla v. State of Gujarat, (1996) 1 SCC 427, 7.
25

to be within the ambit of the POAGSA. The only requirement is its being classified as an
official secret, the determination of which has been left to the discretion of the public
officials.30
[1.2.2.2] Wrongful communication and dissemination of information
15.
Section 8 of the POAGSA is analogous to Section 5 of the OSA. The wordings of this
provision is obscure, which makes it a catch-all provision covering all kinds of secret official
information, whatever be the effect of its disclosure.31 The section gives carte blanche to the
executive to prosecute anyone disclosing official information or, any person voluntarily
receiving such information knowing or having reasonable ground to believe that such
information is being given to him in contravention of the Act.32
16.
In the Indian context, the difficulty of the all-encompassing nature of this provision
has been acknowledged33 and a recommendation to the effect of defining the phrase official
secret has been put forth.34 This wide language penalises not only the communication of
information useful to the enemy or any information which is vital to national security but also
includes the act of communication in any unauthorised manner any kind of secret information
which a government servant has obtained by virtue of his office.35 This is contrary to the
objective of the legislation which is only to prevent dissemination of information which
might put the national defence or economy at stake. Thus, the over-breadth of these
provisions renders them unconstitutional.
[1.2.3] THE POAGSA SUFFERS FROM EXCESSIVE DELEGATION
17.
The classification of information as provided under the POAGSA suffers from the
vice of excessive delegation of powers. Admittedly, a discretionary power may not

necessarily be a discriminatory power. However, where a statute confers a power on an
authority to decide matters without laying down any guidelines, principles or norms, the
power has to be struck down as being arbitrary and unreasonable.36 The absence of any
document, rule, guideline or instruction which provides for the basis of classification of
30
31
Patrick Birkinshaw, FREEDOM OF INFORMATION: THE LAW, THE PRACTICE AND THE IDEAL 84 (4th edn., 2010).
32
M.P. Jain & S.N. Jain, PRINCIPLES OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW 324 (6th edn., 2013)
33
43rd Report of the Law Commission of India, OFFENCES AGAINST THE NATIONAL SECURITY, 7.61 (1971).
34
35
36
AIR India v. Nergesh Meerza, AIR 1981 SC 1829, 118.

documents37 arms the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Finance with
uncanalized and unguided discretion.
18.
In the instant case, the criteria for classification of information are absent. Such a
regime of classification has spurred in the tendency of unwarrantedly classifying

information38 and according higher classification than required.39 These factors play a pivotal
role in the growth of the culture of secrecy. This makes the classification of information a
manifestation of excessive delegation of power. Since, the excessive delegation of power is
unreasonable, the classification of information in POAGSA is against the letter and spirit of
FOIA.
19.
Further, it is amply clear from Ponting's case that the government keeps back
information, even from the Parliament, which may prove embarrassing to itself. Thus, the
principle of ministerial responsibility to Parliament is sought to be bypassed.40 This shows
that excessive delegation may result in subversion of the democratic premise of the
Constitution.41
20.
It is submitted that both the substantive and the procedural aspects of the impugned
restrictive law should be examined from the point of view of reasonableness. This requires
that the factors under consideration be not merely the duration and extent of restrictions but
also the circumstances and manner in which the imposition has been sanctioned.42 In the
instant case, the POAGSA was enacted in the colonial climate of mistrust which furthered the
era of secrecy. In light of the constitutional inclination towards an era of transparency, the
over-breadth and excessive delegation of powers provided by POAGSA is unconstitutional.
[1.3] THE DOCTRINE OF SEVERABILITY DOES NOT APPLY IN THE INSTANT CASE
21.
In Attorney General for Alberta v. Attorney General for Canada,43 it was stated that
the provisions which are invalid need not affect the validity of the legislation as a whole. This
proposition is subject to whether what remains is so inextricably bound up with the part
37
39 st
40
Clause (VII) (a), COMMONWEALTH (LATIMER HOUSE) PRINCIPLES ON THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AND THE
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
THE
THREE
BRANCHES
OF
GOVERNMENT, 2003
available
at
http://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/history-items/documents/LatimerHousePrinciples.pdf
(last
accessed on November 21, 2015).
41
D.C.Wadhwa v. State of Bihar, AIR 1987 SC 579, 6.
42
State of Madras v. V.G. Row, AIR 1952 SC 196, 16.
43
Attorney General for Alberta v. Attorney General for Canada, 1947 AC 503, at 518.
38

declared invalid that what remains cannot independently survive. 44 In the instant case, the
unconstitutionality of provisions prescribing penalty for spying and, wrongful communication
and dissemination of information merits striking down the entire enactment. This is because
these provisions are integral to the enactment as well as the remaining provisions, and are
incapable of being enforced without making alterations and modifications therein.45
[2]. THE ENTIRE PROSECUTION SHOULD BE QUASHED AS THE SPECIAL COURT HAS NO
JURISDICTION TO TRY THE PETITIONERS
22.
Inherent powers of the court can be exercised in relation to any matter when it is
pending before the court.46 The inherent powers of the court are meant to act ex debitio
justiciae to do real and substantial justice or to prevent abuse of the process of the court.47 It
is well established that the Special Court can try an accused person if he is a public servant or
if the offences committed by that person fall within the same transaction as that of a public
servant.48 It is submitted that in the instant case the court should use its inherent powers to
quash the entire prosecution as the special court has no jurisdiction to try the accused persons
as, first, the petitioners are not public servants [2.1]. Secondly, the offences committed by the
petitioners constitute a different transaction [2.2]. Thirdly, in any case, the Special Court
lacks jurisdiction owing to absence of sanction [2.3].
[2.1] THE PETITIONERS ARE NOT PUBLIC SERVANTS
23.
The term public servant is not defined in the Prevention and Punishment of
Corruption Act, 1998 [PAPCA]. However, the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
[PCA] which has provisions analogous to PAPCA provides a wide and illustrative
manner.49
24.
It is submitted that the petitioners do not come within the definition of public
servants. In G.A. Monterio v. State of Ajmer,50 the question before the court was whether a
metal examiner was a public servant under the PCA. The two main tests established in the
44
State of Bombay v. F.N.Balsara, AIR 1951 SC 318; State of Bihar v. Kameshwar Singh, AIR 1952 SC 252;
R.M.D. Chamarbaugwalla v. Union of India, AIR 1957 SC 628.
45
R.M.D. Chamarbaugwalla v. Union of India, AIR 1957 SC 628.
46
State of West Bengal v. Sujit Kumar Rana, AIR 2004 SC 1851; Divisional Forest Officer v. G.V. Sudhakar
Rao, (1985) 4 SCC 573; State of West Bengal v. Gopal Sarkar, (2002) 1 SCC 495.
47
C.B.I. v. Ravishankar Prasad, (2009) 6 SCC 351, 17; Director of Public Prosecutions v. Humphrys, [1977]
AC 1; Connelly v. Director of Public Prosecutions, 1964 AC 1254; State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal, 1992 Supp
(1) SCC 335.
48
Vivek Gupta v. C.B.I., 2004 SCC (Cri) 51; P Nallamal v. State, 1999 Cri LJ 1591; Ramesh Chand Jain v.
State of Madhya Pradesh, ILR [1992] MP 812.
49
Section 2(c), The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
50
G.A. Monterio v. State of Ajmer, AIR 1957 SC 13.

case to determine whether a person is a public servant are, first, whether the person is in the
service or pay of the government. Secondly, whether he is entrusted with the performance of
a public duty.
25.
In the instant case, both these tests are not satisfied. The petitioners are owners of
various energy consultant companies.51 Hence, first, the accused persons are neither in the
service nor in the pay of the government. Secondly, there is nothing in the facts to indicate
that they have been entrusted with performance of a public duty. Therefore, it is submitted
that the petitioners are not public servants.
[2.2] THE OFFENCES COMMITTED BY PETITIONERS CONSTITUTE A SEPARATE TRANSACTION
26.
Under Section 2(1) of the PCA, court has been defined to mean the court duly
notified under the Act to try offences against public servants for commission of offences
under this Act.
27.
The PCA which has provisions similar to the PAPCA, via Section 3, states that the
Special Court has the jurisdiction to try any offences punishable under that act, any
conspiracy to commit or any attempt to or any abetment of any of the offences triable under
the PCA.52 Under Section 4(3) of the PCA, it is stated that a Special Court may also try any
offence, other than an offence specified in section 3, with which the accused may, under the
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 [CrPC], be charged at the same trial.53
28.
However, in the case of Vivek Gupta v. Central Bureau of Investigation,54 it has been
held that any person other than a public servant who is charged with the same offences can
also be tried under the PCA provided the offences fall under the same transaction. In the
instant case, Section 114 of the Criminal Code of Procedure and Rules, 1920 [CCPR],
which relates to joinder of persons states that the persons accused of the same offence
committed within the same transaction can be tried together.55
29.
The term transaction has been used in both the CrPC and the CCPR.56 However, its
definition is neither given in the CrPC nor is it annexed to the Statement of Facts.57 The facts
of the case determine whether the actions of the accused constitute one transaction or several
51
Section 3, The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
53
Section 4(3), The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
54
Vivek Gupta v. C.B.I., 2004 SCC (Cri) 51; P Nallamal v. State, 1999 Cri LJ 1591; Ramesh Chand Jain v.
State of Madhya Pradesh, ILR [1992] MP 812.
55
Section 114, Criminal Code of Procedure and Rules, 1920.
56
Section 223, The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
57
S.C. Sarkar, THE CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 1173, Vol. 2, (10th edn., 2012).
52

transactions.58 The words the same transaction occurring in this section comprise all the
acts of all the persons concerned, done in the course of carrying through the affair in
question. The prima facie test, as the words in the course of indicate, is community of
purpose and continuity of action.59 To ascertain whether a series of acts are parts of the same
transaction, it is essential to see whether they are linked together to present a continuous
whole.60
30.
It is submitted that, in the instant case, the acts of Eddie and Elvis, and that of the
petitioners constitute different transactions as there is, first, no community of purpose [2.2.1]
and, secondly, no continuity of action [2.2.2].
[2.2.1] COMMUNITY OF PURPOSE
31.
In the instant case, there was no community of purpose. The purpose of Eddie and
Elvis was to steal confidential information from the Ministry of Natural resources.61 The
petitioners on the other hand thought that Eddie and Elvis are journalists and did not know
that they had stolen the documents.62 Thus, the purpose of the petitioners was not to steal
information but to gain legal information through bona fide journalists.63
[2.2.2] CONTINUITY OF ACTION
32.
It is submitted that there is no continuity between the actions of the petitioners, and
that of Eddie and Elvis. Continuity of action refers to following up of some initial act
through all its consequences until the series of acts comes to an end, either by attainment of
object or by putting an end to the acts.64 The actions of Eddie and Elvis to steal the
information were different from the acts of the petitioners.65 There was no common objective
or purpose to be achieved from these transactions.
33.
Thus, the acts of Eddie and Elvis and those of the petitioners had different objectives.
They were not closely linked and did not constitute same transaction. Further, it is well
settled that joinder of too many charges against too many persons at the same trial is likely to
58
Choragudi Venkatadri v. Emperor, (1910) 20 MLJ 220; Shapurji Sorabji v. Emperor, 162 Ind Cas 399;
Virupana Gowd v. Emperor, (1915) 28 MLJ 397; State of Rajasthan v. Mangtu Ram, AIR 1962 Raj 155; State
of Andhra Pradesh v. Cheemalapati Ganeswara Rao, AIR 1960 SC 1850; Ramaraja Tevan v. Emperor, 32 Cr LJ
30; Emperor v. Keshavlal Tribhuvandas, (1944) 46 BOMLR 555; Lockley v. Unknown, (1920) 38 MLJ 209.
59
Shamsher Bahadur Saxena v. State of Bihar, AIR 1956 Pat 404; Nabijan v. Emperor, AIR 1947 Pat 212.
60
Emperor v. Keshavlal Tribhuvandas, (1944) 46 BOMLR 555.
61
62
63
64
S.C. Sarkar, THE CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 1174, Vol. 2, (10th edn., 2012); Shapurji Sorabji v. Emperor,
162 Ind Cas 399.
65

bewilder the accused in their defence.66 Hence, it is submitted that the Court should use its
inherent power to quash the entire proceedings because the Special Court cannot try the
accused persons jointly.
[2.3] IN ANY CASE,
THE
SPECIAL COURT
LACKS JURISDICTION OWING TO ABSENCE OF
SANCTION
34.
It is well established that the requirement of sanction vis--vis a public servant entails,
first, that the act should be in discharge of an official duty and secondly, that the act so
discharged should have close nexus or link with such discharge of duty. 67 If the act and the
official duty are inseparably linked, notwithstanding the fact that the performance of duty was
in excess of the needs and requirements of the situation, sanction is imperative. 68 Further,
what is required is a reasonable connection between the act and official duty. It does not
matter if the act exceeds what is strictly necessary for discharge of the duty.69
35.
In the present case, the modus operandi indicates that the acts were done in the colour
of their official duty.70 The statement of facts indicates that Eddie and Elvis used ID cards of
the Ministry of Natural Resources to enter the premises to steal the information. 71 It might be
argued by the respondents that these acts were not part of their official duty. However, it is
submitted that since Eddie and Elvis were appointed as ad hoc employees in the Ministry of
Natural Resources,72 it would be part of their duty to not reveal the confidential information
and documents of the ministry.
36.
It is submitted that the offences were committed within the official duties and thus
even if the court feels that they were in the same transaction, the Special Court lacks
jurisdiction as there has been no sanction to prosecute these persons. 73 The cognizance
without prior sanction has vitiated the proceedings.
[3]. THE INDICTMENTS MUST BE QUASHED

37.
The trial against any accused cannot proceed unless a consideration of the record of a
case and the documents submitted therewith provide sufficient ground for proceeding
66
S.C. Sarkar, THE CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 1174, Vol. 2, (10th edn., 2012).
R.P. Kapur v. State of Punjab, AIR 1960 SC 862; Mohd. Iqbal Ahmed v. State of Andhra Pradesh, AIR 1979
SC 677; M.R. Reddi, ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS AND DEPARTMENTAL ENQUIRIES 706 (5th edn., 2014).
68
Bishnu Prasad Mohapatra v. Harihar Patnaik, 1992 Cri LJ 2701.
69
Nirupama Dey v. Chaitanya Dalua, 2004 Cri LJ 704; Abdul Wahab Ansari v. State of Bihar, (2004) 27 OCR
(SC) 315; State of Himachal Pradesh v. M.P. Gupta, 2004 SCC (Cri) 539.
70
71
72
73
Bishnu Prasad Mohapatra v. Harihar Patnaik, 1992 Cri LJ 2701.
67
10

against the accused.74 The standard for quashing proceedings before the conclusion of a trial,
usually, is to prove that a prima facie case cannot be made out or that the charge cannot be
made out on the face of the record.75 However, the Supreme Court of India has held that it is
not desirable to lay down inflexible or exhaustive rules in this regard. It has been held that the
inherent powers of a court to quash proceedings can be used in a wide manner to secure the
ends of justice.76
38.
It is submitted that, from the evidence adduced in support of the charges in the instant
case, the indictments must be quashed as, first, the prosecution story is unreliable [3.1].
Secondly, no prima facie case can be made out with regard to the requisite mens rea [3.2].
Thirdly, the elements of individual offences cannot be made out [3.3]. Hence, sufficient
grounds do not exist for proceeding against the accused.77
[3.1] THE PROSECUTION STORY IS UNRELIABLE
39.
Evidence must be tested for its inherent consistency and inherent probability of the
story.78 In the instant case, the entire prosecution story is unreliable because, first, there are
procedural irregularities in trap and seizure [3.1.1] and secondly, the statement of the coaccused, which is the basis of prosecution, is unreliable [3.1.2].
[3.1.1] THERE ARE PROCEDURAL IRREGULARITIES IN TRAP AND SEIZURE
40.
It is well established that the trap should be laid out in the presence of independent
witnesses.79 In the instant case, it is clear that the trap was conducted without any
independent witness. Thus, the entire trap becomes questionable.80 Further, the seizure
becomes questionable as the statement of facts indicates that the two persons were
apprehended at 00:50. However, the seizure form indicates the time of seizure to be 23:45.81
74

State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal, AIR 1992 SC 604; R.P. Kapur v. State of Punjab, AIR 1960 SC 862.
76
State of Karnataka v. L. Muniswamy, AIR 1977 SC 1489.
77
78
C. Magesh v. State of Karnataka, AIR 2010 SC 2768, 49; Suraj Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh, 2008 (11)
SCR 286.
79
Vinod Kumar v. State of Punjab, AIR 2015 SC 1206; State of Bihar v. Basawan Singh, AIR 1958 SC 500;
Major E.G. Barsey v. State of Bombay, AIR 1961 SC 1762; Bhanuprasad Hariprasad Dave v. State of Gujarat,
AIR 1968 SC 1323; M.O. Shamshudhin v. State of Kerala, (1995) 1 SCC 351.
80
81
Investigation Records, Property Seizure Detail Form, Appendix 1, Page 7, STATEMENT OF FACTS, The K.K.
Luthra Memorial Moot Court, 2016.
75
11

[3.1.2] THE
STATEMENT OF THE CO-ACCUSED WHICH IS THE BASIS OF PROSECUTION IS
UNRELIABLE
41.
It is well established that the statement of the co-accused made in the course of
investigation to the police can only be used when it is corroborated by independent

evidence.82 The determination of whether a statement is to be relied upon is premised not
only upon the intrinsic character of the statement but also the circumstances in which it is
made.83 In the instant case, the only evidence against the petitioners is the extra-judicial
confession of Eddie and Elvis before the police.84 It is submitted that there is no independent
corroboration of the confession that the petitioners lured them to steal documents. It might be
contended that the recovery of documents is sufficient corroboration. However, the
petitioners genuinely believed that they were receiving legally obtained documents from
bona fide journalists. Thus, there is no corroboration of the fact that these people lured Eddie
and Elvis to steal information.85
42.
Further, in present case, though Eddie and Elvis were apprehended at 00.50 on March
21, 2015, their recorded statements are dated March 20, 2015 at 23:45.86 This additionally
affects the reliability of the confession of the co-accused.
[3.2] PRIMA FACIE CASE IS NOT MADE OUT WITH REGARD TO THE REQUISITE MENS REA
43.
It is a well settled principle in common law that an offence is constituted by the
presence of the actus reus as well as mens rea.87 The requirement of mens rea can be
dispensed with only if the statute excludes mens rea explicitly or by necessary implication.88
It imposes a burden on the State to prove that the defendant performed the relevant actus
reus with the requisite mens rea in the crime charged.89
44.
A useful indication that cements the requirement for mens rea is the use of adverbs
like knowingly, wilfully or dishonestly.90 The offences of theft, cheating, criminal

trespass, criminal breach of trust and forgery, which the petitioners have been charged with,
82
Ramlal v. State of Bombay, AIR 1960 SC 961; Sarwan Singh v. State of Punjab, AIR 1957 SC 637.
State of Gujarat v. Somabhai Lalabhai, 1975 Cri LJ 74.
84
Investigation Records, Statements, Appendix 1, Page 7, STATEMENT OF FACTS, The K.K. Luthra Memorial
Moot Court, 2016.
85
86
Investigation Records, Statements, Appendix 1, Page 7, STATEMENT OF FACTS, The K.K. Luthra Memorial
Moot Court, 2016.
87
R v. Tolson, (1889) 23 QBD 168.
88
Brend v. Wood, (1946) 62 TLR 462; Nathulal v. State of Madhya Pradesh, AIR 1966 SC 43.
89
Woolmington v. D.P.P., 1935 AC 462; Smith and Hogans Criminal Law 29 (David Ormerod ed., 13th edn.,
2011).
90
R v. Prince, L.R. 2 C.C.R. 154 (1875); Smith and Hogans Criminal Law 167 (David Ormerod ed., 13th edn.,
2011).
83
12

are explicit in their requirement for mens rea. This is clear from the use of the expressions
dishonestly,91 fraudulently,92 intent,93 intentionally94 and knowing or having reason
to believe95. Hence, the prosecution needs to prove that a prima facie case exists with regard
to the mens rea as well. There is nothing in the facts to show that the petitioners knew that the
documents were stolen, except for the confession of the co-accused which is not considered
reliable evidence.96 The petitioners were under the belief that Eddie and Elvis were
journalists97. Since they did not know that the documents were stolen in the first place, they
did not have the intent to commit these crimes.
45.
It is submitted that the same contentions hold water for the POAGSA. It cannot be
said that the Act excludes mens rea by necessary implication, either. In fact, the act explicitly
incorporates the requirement for mens rea through use of expressions intended and
knowing. Additionally, the interpretation of possession as conscious possession by Indian
Courts further strengthens this contention.98 It is submitted that a prima facie case cannot be
made out in the absence of requisite mens rea.
[3.3] THE
ELEMENTS OF THE OFFENCES CHARGED CANNOT BE MADE OUT FROM THE
RECORD
46.
Clearly, some of the offences mentioned in the information report (and the
indictment) pertain only to Eddie and Elvis, and not the petitioners. The offences of cheating,
forgery and criminal trespass pertain only to Eddie and Elvis because only they had entered
the premises of the Ministry of Natural Resources and tried to obtain the documents by illegal
means.99 Also, since the petitioners are not public servants, criminal breach of trust by public
servant is also not attracted. It is also submitted that theft in a dwelling house [3.3.1],
dishonestly receiving stolen property [3.3.2] and offences under the POAGSA [3.3.3] are not
made out.
91
Sections 259, 300, 309 and 361, Arkham Penal (Provisions and Punishment) Act, 1963.
Section 300, Arkham Penal (Provisions and Punishment) Act, 1963.
93
Sections 343, 442 and 448, Arkham Penal (Provisions and Punishment) Act, 1963.
94
Section 300, Arkham Penal (Provisions and Punishment) Act, 1963.
95
Sections 361 and 448, Arkham Penal (Provisions and Punishment) Act, 1963.
96
Ramlal v. State of Bombay, AIR 1960 SC 961; Sarwan Singh v. State of Punjab, AIR 1957 SC 637.
97
98
The Government of N.C.T. of Delhi v. Jaspal Singh, 2003 Indlaw SC 599; Sama Alana Abdulla v. State of
Gujarat, 1995 Indlaw SC 653.
99
92
13

[3.3.1] THEFT IN A DWELLING HOUSE

47.
Theft in a dwelling house is an aggravated form of theft and has an identical provision
in the Indian Penal Code, 1860 [IPC].100 The basic definition of theft in the Arkham Penal
(Provisions and Punishment) Act, 1963 [APA], however, is in pari materia with the
definition given in Theft Act, 1968 of UK.101 Section 2 of the Theft Act makes it clear that
belief that the owner would consent would result in the act not being considered dishonest.
48.
Additionally, the IPC defines dishonestly as something done with the intention of
causing wrongful gainor wrongful loss102 In the instant case, the petitioners believed
that Eddie and Elvis owned the documents and believed that they had consented to giving the
documents to them. It is submitted that the petitioners did not have such an intention as they
firmly believed that the two were journalists.103 Consequently, irrespective of the jurisdiction
this Court turns to for guidance, it cannot be said that the actions of the petitioners were
dishonest.
49.
It has been held by courts in UK that confidential information, though it has value and
can be sold, is not property within the meaning of the theft act.104 Needless to say, the same is
true in India and other countries where moveable property and moves are essential
aspects of the crime.105 The position of law is similar in Canada as well, where the Supreme
Court has held that the offence of theft cannot be extended to protection of intangible things
per se.106
50.
The reasoning is linked to common law principle of non-retroactivity derived from the
wider maxim nullum crimen sine lege.107 The idea that no crime can exist without a preexisting enactment is an integral part of legal thinking, not just in common law, but also in
most of continental Europe. Centuries of precedents have limited theft to tangible objects. Its
extension to intangible objects, especially confidential information which has not been
interpreted to be included in the definition of property, would amount to ex post facto law
making by the judiciary.
100
Section 380, The Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Section 1, Theft Act, 1968.
102
103
104
Oxford v. Moss, (1978) 68 Cr App R 183.
105
106
R v. Stewart, (1988) 50 DLR.
107
Andrew Ashworth, PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LAW 57 (7th edn., 2013); Article 7, European Convention on
Human Rights, 1950.
101
14

51.
It is submitted that, since the police recovered copies of government documents and
not the documents themselves, there has been no theft.108 Therefore, even if the submission
that the documents were not obtained with illegal intent were to be rejected, it is submitted
that the petitioners cannot be held guilty of theft since the object in question, the confidential
information, is not tangible property.
[3.3.2] DISHONESTLY RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY
52.
A threefold test needs to be satisfied to prove that the offence of dishonestly receiving
stolen property was committed.109 First, that the stolen property was in the possession of the
accused. Secondly, that some person other than the accused had possession of the property
before the accused got possession of it. And thirdly, that the accused had knowledge that the
property was stolen property. It is contended that since there was no dishonest intention, the
test is not met.
53.
It has already been submitted that the use of the term dishonestly has two
implications for criminal offences. First, it is a clear expression of the requirement of mens
rea. Secondly, the IPC specifically defines dishonestly as pertaining to an act done with the
intention of causing wrongful gainor wrongful loss.110 It is submitted that mens rea,
and by extension dishonest intention, are not present in the instant case. The petitioners
genuinely believed that they were receiving legally obtained documents from bona fide
journalists. Hence, no case is made out as to dishonestly receiving stolen property.
[3.3.3] OFFENCES UNDER THE PREVENTION OF ARKHAM GOVERNMENT SECRETS ACT
54.
For an offence to be made out under this Act for spying, it is necessary to show that
the accused have either been around a prohibited place or done some act intended to be
useful toan enemy.111 Multiple cases on the point indicate that the expression enemy
refers to an enemy state.112 While it can refer to a current as well as a potential enemy, it is
clear that it does not refer to a private individual or body.113 There is nothing on record to
show that the copy of Draft Arkham Budget for Financial Year 20152016 or the
government documents recovered from the petitioners could be useful for an enemy state.
108
Trimbak v. State of Madhya Pradesh, AIR 1954 SC 39.
110
111
Section 7, Arkham Government Secrets Act, 1892.
112
Safi Mohd. v. State of Rajasthan, 2013 Indlaw SC 247; Ram Swaroop v. State, 1986 Cri LJ 526.
113
R v. Parrott, (1913) 8 Cr. App. R. 186; Kutbuddin v. State, AIR 1967 Raj 257.
109
15

The only utility of these documents, according to the facts, extend to guiding Multinational
Companies in their investment decisions.114
55.
Admittedly, the POAGSA also raises a presumption, even in the absence of any
particular action, that a person has collected such material for purpose prejudicial to the
safety or interests of the state.115 However, this is a rebuttable presumption.116 More
importantly, such a presumption can arise only if there is conscious possession of the
material and no alternate explanation is given.117 The petitioners were clearly not aware of
the confidential nature of documents they were in possession of. Since they have provided a
viable explanation,118 this presumption will not continue to operate.
56.
The POAGSA makes it an offence to receive such secret material.119 It also makes it
an offence to attempt, incite or abet another person to do anything prohibited by the Act. It is
submitted that neither of these provisions are attracted for the following reasons. First, the
petitioners did not receive such material knowing120 or having reason to believe121 that
such material was procured in contravention of the Act. Secondly, no reliable evidence exists
on record to indicate that they aided, abetted or incited Eddie and Elvis to commit any
offence.
57.
Hence, it is submitted that prima facie case does not exist with regard to both mens
rea and actus reus for the offences that the petitioners are charged with. Thus, the
indictments should be quashed.
[4]. PROCEEDINGS SHOULD BE STAYED DURING THE PENDENCY OF THE WRIT PETITION
58.
Section 14 of the PAPCA states that no court shall stay the proceedings under this Act
on any other ground other than defective or illegal sanction.122 It is submitted that, in the
instant case, the court should stay the proceedings during the pendency of writ petition
because, first, stay can be granted for illegal or defective sanction [4.1]. Secondly, sanction is
required as the acts of Eddie and Elvis come within their official duty [4.2].
114
Section 7(2), Arkham Government Secrets Act, 1892.
116
C.B.I. v. Abhishek Verma, 2009 Indlaw SC 701.
117
The Government of N.C.T. of Delhi v. Jaspal Singh, 2003 Indlaw SC 599; Sama Alana Abdulla v. State of
Gujarat, 1995 Indlaw SC 653.
118
119
120
121
122
Section 14, The Prevention and Punishment of Corruption Act, 1998.
115
16

[4.1] STAY CAN BE GRANTED FOR ILLEGAL OR DEFECTIVE SANCTION

59.
It is submitted that Section 14 of the PAPCA applies even to this court while it is
exercising its inherent jurisdiction. The Indian Supreme Court, while analyzing an analogous
provision of the PCA, has categorically stated in Satya Narayan Sharma v. State of
Rajasthan123 that the phrase no court shall stay the proceedings applies even while a Court
is exercising its inherent jurisdiction. Further, the ground of illegal and defective sanction
would necessarily include absence of sanction.
[4.2] SANCTION IS REQUIRED FOR THE ACTS OF EDDIE AND ELVIS
60.
As has been already established in Section 2.3 under 36 and 37, the acts of Eddie
and Elvis come within the ambit of their official duty. The act and public duty, in the present
case, have a reasonable connection and, therefore, sanction is imperative. Thus, in light of
Section 14 of PAPCA, it is submitted that the court should stay the proceedings till the writ
petitions are pending.
PRAYER
Wherefore in the light of the issues raised, arguments advanced and authorities cited, it is
humbly prayed that this Honble Court may be pleased to adjudge and declare that:
1. The Prevention of Arkham Government Secrets Act, 1892 should be struck down.
2. The prosecution against the petitioners should be quashed.
3. The formal notice of indictment against petitioners should be quashed.
4. The proceedings should be stayed during the pendency of the present writ petition.
And pass any other order, direction, or relief that this Honble Court may deem fit in the
interests of justice, equity and good conscience.
All of which is humbly prayed,

URN 1265,
Counsels for the Petitioners.
123
Satya Narayan Sharma v. State of Rajasthan, 2001 (4) Crimes 34 (SC).
17

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XII K.K.

LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT, 2016

JAMES MORRISON ..PETITIONER 1

[MEMORIAL ON BEHALF OF THE PETITIONERS]

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

ARKHAM GOVERNMENT SECRETS ACT, 1892

STRUCK DOWN ........................................................................................................................ 1

[1.1] THE POAGSA IS REDUNDANT AND OTIOSE ................................................................ 1

INFORMATION ACT ............................................................................................................. 2

THE ENTIRE PROSECUTION

SHOULD BE QUASHED AS THE SPECIAL COURT HAS NO

JURISDICTION TO TRY THE PETITIONERS .................................................................................. 7

[2.1] THE PETITIONERS ARE NOT PUBLIC SERVANTS ............................................................ 7

ANY CASE, THE

LACKS JURISDICTION OWING TO ABSENCE OF

THE INDICTMENTS MUST BE QUASHED ..................................................................... 10

[3.1] THE PROSECUTION STORY IS UNRELIABLE ................................................................ 11

ELEMENTS OF THE OFFENCES CHARGED CANNOT BE MADE OUT FROM THE

PROCEEDINGS SHOULD BE STAYED DURING THE PENDENCY OF THE WRIT PETITION .. 16

[4.1] STAY CAN BE GRANTED FOR ILLEGAL OR DEFECTIVE SANCTION ............................... 17

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

49. S.P. Gupta v. Union of India, AIR 1982 SC 149 ........................................................... 3

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

82. Vivek Gupta v. C.B.I., 2004 SCC (Cri) 51 ................................................................ 7, 8

THE LAW, THE PRACTICE

INFORMATION MASTER KEY TO GOOD GOVERNANCE ..................................... 2, 4, 5, 6

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT, 2003................ 6

4. European Convention on Human Rights, 1950 ........................................................... 14

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

[1]. THE PREVENTION OF ARKHAM GOVERNMENT SECRETS ACT, 1892 SHOULD BE

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

[1]. THE PREVENTION OF ARKHAM GOVERNMENT SECRETS ACT, 1892 SHOULD BE

The Prevention of Arkham Government Secrets Act, 1892 [POAGSA] is sought to

legislation is unnecessary or unwarranted.3 However, in the instant case, it is the cumulative

Redundancy refers to the fault of introducing superfluous matter into a legal

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

categories.6 A similar suggestion was made by the Second Administrative Reforms

The POAGSA is a pre-constitutional enactment.12 It was enacted 78 years prior to the

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

The phrase reasonable restriction16 connotes that the limitation imposed on a

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

Over-breadth is a recognised ground to test the vires of a legislation on the touchstone

Consequently, a presumption is drawn that such matters were collected or obtained by

Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, AIR 2015 SC 1523, 90.

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

vice of excessive delegation of powers. Admittedly, a discretionary power may not

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016

regime of classification has spurred in the tendency of unwarrantedly classifying

XII K.K. LUTHRA MEMORIAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION, 2016