ISSUE:
Whether mens rea (a guilty mind) is required for liability under Clause 22 of the Motor Spirit Rationing Order, 1941?
Whether strict liability applies under Clause 27A, requiring suppliers to endorse vehicle registration details on coupons?
Whether the employer can be held responsible for the illegal acts of employees under the Motor Spirit Rationing Order, 1941?
RULE:
A guilty mind (mens rea) is generally required for criminal liability unless explicitly excluded by law.
Strict liability applies to cases where statutes impose obligations regardless of intent or knowledge.
Employers may not be vicariously liable for employees' acts unless the law imposes absolute responsibility.