Egmore Railway Police v. Murugan And Others

Suo Motu TR.No.17295 of 2025

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 14.10.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Suo Motu TR.No.17295 of 2025 (C.C.No.12343 of 2008 of IX Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Saidapet Taluk, Chennai) 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 in Cr.No.382 of 2008 for the alleged offence under Sections 147, 151 and 153 of Railway Act. The allegation in this case is that ABDU Publicity workers illegally removed advertisement boards near Guindy, Railway Station which caused damage to railway property. The case has been pending for past 17 years. It is reported that there is no previous or subsequent case as against the accused and the case is presently pending at the stage of summons.

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Suo Motu TR.No.17295 of 2025 D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

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.

4. Accordingly, the case in C.C.No.12343 of 2008 on the file of IX Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Saidapet Taluk, Chennai shall stand quashed and this Suo Motu Transfer Case stand disposed of. 14.10.2025 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. Suo Motu TR.No.17295 of 2025 Page No.2 of 2 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis