Pandiyan @ Thirumuruga Padiyan v. The State Rep.By Its, Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 04-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M. NIRMAL KUMAR Pandiyan @ Thirumuruga Padiyan S/o. Ponraman, Athanur Patti, Vazhapadi Taluk, Salem District.

..Petitioner(s) Vs The State Rep.by its, Inspector of Police, Karipatty Police Station, Salem District.

..Respondent(s) Criminal Original Petition is filed under Section 528 BNSS to issue direction to complete the trial in SC.No.305/2015 on the file of the II Additional District Judge, Salem as expeditious as possible or to direct the learned trial court to grant bail to the petitioner till the completion of trial and may deem fit and necessary order or orders.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.P.Vijendran For Respondent(s):

Mr.A.Amarnath Counsel for Govt. of Tamil Nadu (Criminal Side)

ORDER

This case is listed today under the caption "For maintainability".

2. This Criminal Original Petition is filed with two prayers viz., i) to issue direction to complete the trial in S.C.No.305/2015 on the file of the II Additional District Judge, Salem, as expeditiously as possible; ii) to direct the learned trial Court to grant bail to the petitioner till the completion of trial.

3. The Registry has raised objection with regard to two prayers in a single petition. Hence, the case is listed for maintainability.

4. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that now the petitioner has obtained bail from this Court in Crl.O.P.No.12216/2026 dated 14.05.2026 and hence he is withdrawing the first prayer. Now the present petition is only pointed towards the first prayer seeking speedy disposal. Hence, this petition is taken up for adjudication in respect of the first prayer alone.

5. The petitioner / A1 in S.C.No.305 of 2015 had filed this petition seeking for early disposal of the case.

6. The contention of the petitioner is that for the past two years, the case has not been proceeded and the petitioner has been put to undue hardship. All

the witnesses are facing trial and they are appearing before the trial Court either personally or through their counsel and they are not the reason for any delay. The witnesses have been cross-examined without delay.

7. The learned Counsel for the Government of Tamil Nadu opposed the petitioner's contention and submitted that as the petitioner was absconding, NBW was issued and due to which the trial in this case was kept pending for a long period. The petitioner now had obtained a Bail from this court and thereafter he had executed sureties and now all the accused are appearing before the trial Court. In this case there are totally 29 listed witness and so far, L.W.1 to L.W.26 have been examined and their evidence has been recorded. Now the case is posted for examination of L.W.27 to L.W.29, including the Investigating Officer and the case is posted on 17.06.2026. He further submitted that there is no Presiding Officer in the II Additional District Court, Salem and hence there is some delay.

8. In view of the above, the In-charge Judge who has been given additional charge of II Additional District Court, Salem, is directed to conduct trial in S.C.No.305 of 2025 pending on its file, examine the remaining witness and to complete the trial proceedings without further delay and in any event to complete the trial in S.C. No.305 of 2025 within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

9. In view of the above, this Criminal Original Petition is disposed. 04-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order BKN

To:

1. Inspector of Police, Karipatty Police Station, Salem District.

2. II Additional District Judge, Salem

3. Public Prosecutor, Madras High Court.

M.NIRMAL KUMAR, J.

BKN 04-06-2026