The Sub Inspector Of Police v. Mandu

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 17.09.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY (C.C.No.36 of 1991 of Judicial Magistrate Court No.1, Dharmapuri Taluk, Dharmapuri) The Sub Inspector of Police, Dharmapuri B1 Police station.

...Petitioner

Vs.

Mandu .... 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 case in Cr.No.441 of 1987 was registered for the alleged offence under Section 457 and 380 of the I.P.C. The occurrence is said to have taken place on 01.10.1987. The allegation is that the accused committed theft of sarees from the defacto-complainant's shop. It is reported that the property has Page No.1 of 3

been recovered and handed over to the defacto-complainant. The defactocomplainant is not available at the given address and remains untraceable. The matter has been pending since 1987.

3.Considering the factual matrix, context of the case, the reason for absence from his usual place, and the submission that, despite best efforts, the warrant could not be executed, it is evident that even if the accused is brought to face trial, it would impinge upon his right to a speedy trial. Due to the passage of time, a meaningful trial is unlikely, and no useful purpose would be served.

4.Accordingly, the case in C.C.No.36 of 1991 of Judicial Magistrate Court No.1, Dharmapuri Taluk, Dharmapuri, stands quashed. This Suo Motu Transfer Case is disposed of.

17.09.2025 ep 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 3

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

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