Food Safety Officer v. Balamurugan And 6 Others

Suo Motu TR.No.14397 of 2025

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 23.10.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Suo Motu TR.No.14397 of 2025 (C.C.No. 8429 of 2017 of X Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Egmore Taluk, Chennai) For Petitioner : Ms.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. This case is registered for the alleged offence u/s.58 and 59(i) of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The allegation is that the accused was said to have sold chilli powder which was found to be unsafe. For the said allegation, the case is pending from the year 2017 for service 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 served, 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.

Page No.1 of 2 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis

Suo Motu TR.No.14397 of 2025 D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

rap

4. Accordingly, the case in C.C.No. 8429 of 2017 of X Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Egmore Taluk, Chennai, stands quashed. This Suo Motu Transfer Case is disposed of.

23.10.2025 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.

Suo Motu TR.No.14397 of 2025 Page No.2 of 2 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis