V RAVEENDRAN NAIR Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) I have perused the report of the learned Chief Judicial Magistrate.

(2.) The grievance of the petitioner is that the case against him - C.C.No.153/82 in which all steps are complete is continuing to be pending unnecessarily without pronouncement of orders. The report of the learned Magistrate shows that the matter stands posted for hearing and no hearing is taking place ever since the present incumbent took charge of the court on 9/3/06. The learned Magistrate wants the matter to be heard afresh. According to the learned Magistrate, the accused persons are not getting ready for hearing. I am satisfied, in these circumstances, that specific direction can be issued to the learned Magistrate to dispose of the case as expeditiously as possible - at any rate, within a period of three months from the date on which a copy of this order is placed before the learned Magistrate.

(3.) The petitioner shall be released on bail on condition that he executes a fresh bond for Rs.25,000/- with two solvent sureties each for the like sum to the satisfaction of the learned Magistrate. The condition to deposit an amount of Rs.5,000/- need not be insisted by the learned Magistrate. The personal presence of the petitioner need not be insisted now as the matter stands posted for arguments only. The learned Magistrate shall report compliance to this Court.