A.M. Babu, J.

A criminal prosecution is sought to be quashed. The relief is sought under Section 482 of Cr.P.C.

2. Petitioners 1 and 2 were accused 2 and 3 respectively in C.C.1016/2005. That was a case on the file of the court of the Judicial Magistrate of the First Class, Malappuram. The accused persons were charged under the provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (for short 'the Act'). The first accused died. The petitioners absconded just before they were to be examined under Section 313 of Cr.P.C. The fourth accused was acquitted. The case against the petitioners was refiled as C.C.1230/2010. All further proceedings therein are sought to be quashed.

3. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners. Heard the learned public prosecutor.

4. Altogether there were four accused persons. One died. Others were tried. The petitioners absconded pending trial. The fourth accused stood trial till the end. He was acquitted. Acquittal of a co-accused by itself is not a ground to quash the proceedings against any other accused.

5. Moosa v. Sub Inspector of Police (ILR 2006(1) Ker 237). It is a full bench decision of this court. The decision holds that the judgment rendere