Forest Range Officer, Harur v. Kariyagoundan

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 22.09.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Suo Motu TR.No.15652 of 2025 (C.C.No. 104 of 2024 of Judicial Magistrate Court, Harur Taluk, Dharmapuri) The State rep. by The Forest Range Officer, Harur, Dharmapuri.

... Petitioner Vs.

Kariyagoundan ... Respondent For Petitioner : Mr.S.Vinoth Kumar Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

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 under Section 21(d), (e), (f) of the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882, and Rules 3(1) and 7 of the Sandalwood Possession Rules, 1970, as amended in 1979. The allegation in this case is that the accused persons were apprehended for allegedly possessing sandalwood pieces. The mother's case in C.C.No. 346 of 2003 proceeded further and resulted in an acquittal. The grounds for acquittal also apply to the present Page No.1 of 3

accused. The matter has been pending for the execution of the warrant for more than 20 years.

3. Considering the factual matrix, the context of the case, the background of the accused, the reason for his absence at his place of residence, and the submission made that, despite best efforts, the warrant could not be executed, it is clear that even if the accused faces trial, no useful purpose would be served.

4. Accordingly, the case in C.C.No.104 of 2024 on the file of the Judicial Magistrate Court, Harur Taluk, Dharmapuri shall stand quashed and this Suo Motu Transfer Case stand disposed of. 22.09.2025 nsl 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.

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