Si Of B1 Ps v. Sathish

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 19.09.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY (STC.No.767 of 2021 of Judicial Magistrate Court, Udhagamandalam Taluk, Nilgiris) State rep. by its The Sub Inspector of Police, Ooty Town Central Police Station, Nilgiris District.

... Petitioner Vs.

Sathish ... Respondent 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.

The allegation in this case is that on 23.01.2021, the accused in his tin sheet shed permitted public to have liquor without any permission. A case was registered in Cr.No.61 of 2021 for the alleged offence under Section 4(1) (k) of Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act. There is no previous case or Page No.1 of 3

subsequent case as against the accused. The case is pending at the stage of fresh summon. Considering the factual matrix, context of the case, the antecedents of the accused, and the submission that, despite best efforts, the summon 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. 3.

Accordingly, the proceedings in STC.No.767 of 2021 of Judicial Magistrate Court, Udhagamandalam Taluk, Nilgiris, is quashed and this Suo Motu Transfer Case is disposed of.

19.09.2025 mtl / veda 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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