The State - Fro Masinagudi v. Sundaran
Already, this Court disposed of this Suo Motu Transfer Case on 16.10.2025. However, today, this matter is listed under the caption 'For being mentioned'. The error mentioned is corrected and the following is the corrected order:- "IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 16.10.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY (C.C.No.57 of 2020 of Principal District Munsif cum Judicial Magistrate, Gudalur Taluk, Nilgiris) The State-PRO Masinagudi ... Petitioner Vs.
Sundaran ... 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. This case is registered in O.R.No.12 of 2019 for the alleged offences under Sections 27, 29, 30, 31 and 32 r/w 2(35) of TNWLP Act, 1972 and 51(1c) WLP Act 1972. The allegations in this case is that the accused had entered into the Reserve Forest and collected the fire woods and also set fire. Page No.1 of 2
vv At that time, he was caught red handed by the forest officials. For the said allegations, the case has been pending from the year 2019 and the case is presently pending at the stage 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.
4. Accordingly, the case in C.C.No.57 of 2020 on the file of Principal District Munsif cum Judicial Magistrate, Gudalur Taluk, Nilgiris stands quashed. This Suo Motu Transfer Case is disposed of. 16.10.2025 vv Note to the Trial Court:
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 2
Page No.3 of 2
vv Page No.4 of 2