JUDGMENT

Fathima Beevi, J.- These appeals by special leave are directed against the judgment and order dated 29-1-1987 of the High Court of Rajasthan, Jaipur Bench. The applications filed by the appellant under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code for quashing the criminal proceedings in eight cases pending against him for the offence under Section 408 of the Indian Penal Code, were dismissed by the impugned judgment.

2. The appellant was the Manager of the Central Co-operative Bank, Jhunjhunu, during the period from February1, 1961 to June, 1963. After the special audit in the year 1963, prosecution was launched against the appellant for the embezzlement during this period. The appellant was alleged to have misappropriated various amounts received by him from different Sehkari Samities. The proceedings commenced in the year 1963 and eight cases are now pending trial. The inherent jurisdiction of the High Court was sought to be invoked for quashing these proceedings on the ground that the inordinate delay and the consequential harassment to the appellant required the exercise of such power to prevent the abuse of the process of the Court and to secure the ends of justice. T