State Rep By Its Inspector Of Police v. Ponvel And 2 Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 24.09.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Suo Motu TR.No.12512 of 2025 (CC.7010/1997 of VII Metropolitan Magistrate Court, George Town Taluk, Chennai) The State rep. by The Inspector of Police, Esplanade Police Station, Chennai.

... Petitioner Vs.

1. Ponvel

2. Elangovan

3. Chandrasekar

4. Aravindhan

5. Radha ... Respondents For Petitioner : Mr.G.V.Kasthuri 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 was registered in Cr.No.2767 of 1996 dated 20.09.1996 for the alleged offence under Section 379 of Indian Penal Code, 1860. It is stated that the default complaint has been bedridden and his daughter would submit Page No.1 of 3

that the defacto complainant does not want to pursue the case any further and the case is pending at the stage of summons.

3. Considering the factual matrix, context of the case, the antecedents of the accused, the reason for absence from his usual place, and the submission that, despite best efforts, the summons 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 CC.7010/1997 on the file of the VII Metropolitan Magistrate Court, George Town Taluk, Chennai shall stand quashed and this Suo Motu Transfer Case stand disposed of. 24.09.2025 shl 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.

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D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

shl Suo Motu TR.No.12512 of 2025 24.09.2025 Page No.3 of 3