Salt Inspector of Puttalam vs Nonis – clr volume 2 page 155

In the case between the Salt Inspector of Puttalam and Nonis, the court addressed the issue of whether possession of a quantity of salt exceeding the amount specified in a license constituted an offence under Ordinance No. 6 of 1890. It was determined that discrepancies in the weighing process, potential procedural irregularities, and lack of scale verification undermined the integrity of the evidence alleging excess possession. The conviction and property forfeiture were set aside, with an acquittal entered, reaffirming the principle that criminal liability cannot be sustained where procedural defects or evidentiary uncertainties prevent conclusive proof of the alleged offence. Reference was made to the necessity for clear and reliable establishment of essential facts before imposing pena