STATE Vs. SURESH KUMAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The present petition has been filed by the State to seek leave to file appeal against the judgment dated 16.08.2013 whereby the respondent was acquitted of the charge under Sec. 3 RP (UP) Act in complaint case No.05/13. The petition is contested by the respondent.

(2.) I have heard the learned counsel for the parties and have examined the file. The respondent was acquitted of the charge on 16.08.2013. Under Sec. 378 (4) & (5) Crimial P.C. the appeal against acquittal is to be preferred within six months from the date of acquittal. The present leave petition was preferred only on 16.05.2014 after the expiry of six months.

(3.) Crl.M.A.No.7789/14 (for condonation of delay in filing the leave petition) was filed. This Court, however, finds no plausible reasons for condonation of delay in filing the leave petition after the expiry of six months particularly when it is informed that the value of Railway property does not exceed '1,000.00. The inordinate delay in filing the leave petition has not been explained. The application seeking condonation of delay records that certified copy of the impugned order was received by the department on 16.08.2013. The competent authority took about six months to take decision to file the appeal on 04.02.2014. It has not been divulged as to why so long time was taken by the competent authority to make its mind to challenge the acquittal order in a small issue.