Madras High CourtCRL OP/10595/2026disposed of

S.S.Rajendran v. G.Karthikeyan

2026-04-27Honourable Mr Justice M. Nirmal Kumar4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 27-04-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M. NIRMAL KUMAR S.S.Rajendran ..Petitioner Vs G.Karthikeyan ..Respondent To direct the Fast Track Court, Thiruthuraipoondi to expedite the proceedings in S.T.C No. 53 of 2024 and dispose of the same within a time limit.

For Petitioner :

Ms.D.Umaiyal

ORDER

The petitioner as complainant had filed the private complaint under Section 138 of Negotiable Instrument Act in STC.No.53 of 2024.

2. The petitioner filed the complaint along with sworn statement and proof affidavit. On 25.04.2024, summons were issued to the respondent. Thereafter, on 28.05.2024, the respondent/accused had appeared and the trial court directed the respondent to execute a bond for Rs.10,000/- with two sureties. After six hearings, on 04.11.2024, the petitioner executed a bond. On the very day, the accused was initially questioned and thereafter, the case was

posted for trial. Thereafter, the petitioner was examined in chief on 06.12.2024 as PW1 and marked EX.P1 to Ex.P5 and for cross, the case was adjourned to 30.12.2024. Despite the presence of the petitioner, the respondent took time for cross examination on 30.12.2024, 22.01.2025, 05.02.2025, 19.02.2025, 05.03.2025, 21.03.2025, 07.05.2025, 27.05.2025 and 24.06.2025. Subsequently, the case was suo motu taken up and referred to mediation on 30.07.2025. The mediation failed and the case was sent back to the court on 06.08.2025. After giving sufficient time, the trial court closed the cross of PW1. Hence, the case was posted for questioning under Section 313 Cr.P.C. on 17.09.2025, 15.10.2025, 05.11.2025, 03.12.2025, 29.12.2025, 22.01.2026, 04.02.2026, 04.03.2026 and 26.03.2026. In all the aforesaid hearing dates, the petitioner/complainant was present and the respondent/accused was absent.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that there is no presiding officer in the Fast Track Court and the in-charge Magistrate is hearing the cases selectively and adjourning the cases periodically. The petitioner is a retired TNSTC Checking Inspector and the respondent/accused worked along with him as Mechanic in TNSTC, Thiruthuraipoondi. The petitioner is aged about 76 years and suffering from gastro intestinal problem and kidney problem. For taking treatment, he is in need of money which he has given to the respondent as loan.

4. Considering the submissions made by the learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner is an aged person who is in need of money for his treatment, this Court directs the Fast Track Judge, Thiruthuraipoondi or incharge Magistrate to take the case periodically once in two weeks and complete the case within the period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this Order.

5. With the aforesaid direction, this Criminal Original Petition is disposed of.

27-04-2026 nl Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order To The Fast Track Court, Thiruthuraipoondi.

M.NIRMAL KUMAR, J.

nl 27-04-2026