State By Inspector Of Police Ariyalur P.S v. Ulaganathan

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 20.08.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY (S.T.C.No.600346 of 2018 of Judicial Magistrate Court No.I, Ariyalur Taluk, Ariyalur) State by the Inspector of Police, Ariyalur Police Station.

... Petitioner Vs.

1. Ulaganathan

2. Thandapani

3. Ramanathan

4. Sakkaravarthy

5. Anaimuthu .... Respondents For Petitioner : Mr.S.Sugendran Additional Public Prosecutor

ORDER

The allegation in this case is that on 04.04.2018 all the accused persons protested with reference to the Cauvery river issue. Accordingly, a case was registered for the offences under Section 341, 143, 188 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 in Crime No.123 of 2018 and the final report is also filed on 10.05.2018.

2. Firstly, the allegations are in the nature of democratic protest and Page No.1 of 3

does not constitute any offence. Secondly, given the nature of allegations, continuing the case even after seven years would impinge upon the right to speedy trial of the accused. Accordingly the proceedings in S.T.C.No.600346 of 2018 of Judicial Magistrate Court No.I, Ariyalur Taluk, Ariyalur stands quashed and this Suo Motu Transfer case is allowed. 20.08.2025 rap electronically alone. The Trial Court shall take note of the order and accordingly classify the case pending before them as allowed / dismissed / disposed of, etc, and while doing so, consider any applications such as disposal of properties, etc., and pass appropriate orders, as may be necessary. Further, the Court below is directed to dispatch the copy of this order to all concerned. D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

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