Sowkath v. Inspector Of Police

C.V.KARTHIKEYAN , J.

The petitioners are accused in Crime No.12 of 2022, which was registered by the respondent police for the offences punishable under Section 366 of IPC and Section 5(g) r/w 6 of POCSO Act, 2012, seek bail. They had been taken into custody on 19.11.2022.

2. It is stated that subsequent to investigation, final report had been filed and the same had been taken cognizance as S.C.No.7 of 2023 and trial is under progress before the Sessions Judge cum Fast Track Mahila Court, Dharmapuri.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner stated that the evidence of the victim child had been recorded. The evidence had been perused. It is quite revealing in nature.

4. It is now stated that trial is next posted to 02.11.2023 for evidence of L.W.9 to L.W.18.

5. The only direction that can be given is for the learned Sessions Judge/Fast Track Mahila Court, Dharmapuri, to endeavour to dispose of S.C.No.7 of 2023 on or before 31.01.2024. This is a

conditional to the learned counsel for the accused for cross-examining the witnesses. If they do not cross-examine the witnesses, then the time limit fixed will automatically lapse and can never be kept up and it need not be kept.

6. In view of all these factors, I am not inclined to grant bail to the petitioners. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition stands dismissed.

01.11.2023 ata

C.V.KARTHIKEYAN , J.

ata 01.11.2023