The State - Gudalur Ps v. Ravikumar 3 Others.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 16.10.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY (P.R.C.No.100019 of 2008 of Principal District Munsif cum Judicial Magistrate, Gudalur Taluk, Nilgiris) 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 case was registered in Cr.No.265 of 1998 dated 06.07.1998 for the alleged offence under Sections 147, 148, 364, 347 and 506(ii) of I.P.C. This is an occurrence of the year 1998. It is seen that the mother case in respect of co-accused went into trial in S.C.No.44 of 2008 and they were acquitted. The allegations are similar and no useful purpose to be served.

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 warrant 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.

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D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

Vv

4. Accordingly, the case in C.C.No.100019 of 2008 on the file of the learned Principal District Munsif-Cum-Judicial Magistrate, Gudalur Taluk, Nilgris, stands quashed. This Suo Motu Transfer Case is disposed of. 16.10.2025 Vv 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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