Labour Enforcement Officer v. Selvam

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 09.10.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY (S.T.C.No.1200595 of 2013 of Judicial Magistrate No.I, Puducherry Taluk, Puducherry) For Petitioner : Mr.M.V.Ramachandra Murthy Additional Public Prosecutor (Puducherry)

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 for alleged offence under Section 190(1)(a) of Cr.P.C., r/w Section 49 of of the Pondicherry Shops and Establishments Act, 1964 and Section 8 of the Pondicherry Industrial Establishment (National and Festival Holidays) Act, 1964. The allegation in this case is that the accused had violated certain rules relating to the Pondicherry Shops and Establishments Act, 1964 and also the Pondicherry Industrial Establishment (National and Festival Holidays) Act, 1964. The shop is now closed. The case is pending at the stage of NBW. 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 Page No.1 of 3

meaningful trial is unlikely, and no useful purpose would be served. Page No.2 of 3

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

grs

3. Accordingly, the case in S.T.C.No.1200595 of 2013 of Judicial Magistrate No.I, Puducherry Taluk, Puducherry, stands quashed. This Suo Motu Transfer Case is disposed of.

09.10.2025 grs 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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