SHAMRAO Vs. THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Rule made returnable forthwith. Heard finally by consent of the learned counsel appearing for the parties. The petitioner has basically approached this Court for quashing and setting aside the charge-sheet filed in the year 2002 and not to proceed further with the trial against him.

(2.) It appears that, the Trial Court could not proceed further against the petitioner, since the other accused are absconding. Sword of the criminal proceedings cannot be kept hanging on the neck of the citizens for years together. The period of more than 11 years has lapsed since 2002 i.e. from filing of charge-sheet against the petitioner.

(3.) In view of the matter, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Chandrapur is directed, to dispose of the trial in the matter Charge-Sheet No. 49 of 2002, as expeditiously as possible, in any event, within a period of six months from today.