1 By an order dated 6-10-2005 passed by the learned single Judge, this petition is referred to this Bench under S. 8 of the Karnataka High Court Act for hearing and disposing of, as the question of law regarding limitation for taking cognizance under S. 468(1) of the CrPC arises for consideration.

2 Petitioners 1 and 2 who have been arrayed as accused Nos. 1 and 2 in CC No. 18073/1999 on the file of the VIIIth Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Bangalore have filed this petition under S. 482, CrPC to quash the proceedings in CC No. 18073/1999.

3 Before adverting to the contentions raised in this criminal petition, it is necessary to narrate the facts and judicial orders which had preceded filing of the complaint by the Registrar (Vigilance) on 25-2-1999 against the petitioners before the Court of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Bangalore.
Petitioners 1 and 2 in their capacity as Chairman and Secretary of Sri Kengal Credit Cooperative Society Limited had filed WP No. 16425/1992 for quashing the order stated to have been issued by the Assistant Executive Engineer No. 1, BDA Sub-Division (West) in No. BDA / AEE 1(W) / 42/92-93 dated 13-5-1992, referred to as Annexure - D to the w