Sho, Kedar P.S v. Murugan

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 01.09.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY (S.T.C.No.2 of 2022 of Judicial Magistrate Court No.II, Villupuram Taluk, Villupuram) State rep. by Sub-Inspector of Police, Kedar Police Station, Villupuram.

... Petitioner Vs.

Murugan ... Respondent For Petitioner : Mr.S.Sugendran Additional Public Prosecutor

ORDER

This Suo Motu Case is dealt with in an extraordinary manner by the Dedicated Bench, pursuant to Suo Motu W.P.(Crl.) No.618 of 2025.

2. The allegations in this case are that on 06.10.2019, while the election code of conduct was in force, the accused was having a party banner in a public place without due permission. A case was registered in Cr.No.186 of 2019 on 06.10.2019 for the alleged offences under Sections 4A(1a) and 4B of the Tamil Nadu Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1959. The Page No.1 of 4

Final report was led on 06.12.2019, and the accused has been facing trial since then. Thus, it can be seen that the allegations concern exercising the democratic right to canvass. Given the context and nature of the allegations, continuing the trial impinges on the right to a speedy trial of the accused. No useful purpose will be served by continuing the case.

3. Accordingly, the case in S.T.C.No.2 of 2022 of Judicial Magistrate Court No.II, Villupuram Taluk, Villupuram, stands quashed. This Suo Motu Transfer Case is disposed of.

01.09.2025 grs 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.

Page No.2 of 4

Page No.3 of 4

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

grs 01.09.2025 Page No.4 of 4