N S RAVIKUMAR Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The grievance of the petitioners, who are accused 1 and 5 in a prosecution initiated against them as early as in 2003, is that the case against them is not being disposed of expeditiously. The 2nd petitioner has secured employment abroad and, in these circumstances, it is prayed that the case against the petitioners may be directed to be disposed of expeditiously.

(2.) Report of the learned Magistrate was called for. The report shows that accused 2 to 4 have not entered appearance and that is why the prosecution against the petitioners is not making any headway. The case was initiated as early as in 2003 and, in these circumstances, the non- appearance of accused 2 to 4 cannot be a valid excuse to deny the right of the petitioners for speedy trial. I have perused the report of the learned Magistrate. The learned Magistrate has undertaken to dispose of the case as expeditiously as possible - at any rate, within a period of three months from the date of framing of charge.

(3.) I am satisfied that directions in favour of the petitioners deserve to be issued.