The Court directed that the application for permanent exemption be considered in accordance with law, emphasizing the ongoing appeal and acquittal.

O R D E R

Dated this the 23^rd day of February, 2026 The Criminal Miscellaneous Case is filed to quash Annexure-2 complaint, which led to the registration of S.C.No.1065/2022 on the file of the Additional Sessions Court-II, Thiruvananthapuram (‘Trial Court’, in short), and originated from O.R.No.01/2022/NCB/SZ/COK registered by the Narcotic Control Bureau, Kochi, on the assertion that the co-accused in the crime have been acquitted by Annexure-3 judgment by the Trial Court.

2. Heard.

3. The learned counsel for the respondent submits that, assailing Annexure-3 judgment, Crl.Appeal No.1999/2025 has been filed before this Court and the same is pending consideration.

4. In view of the pendency of the above Appeal, I am not inclined to exercise the inherent power of this Court, to quash the proceedings on the strength of Annexure-3 judgment.

5. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that, consequent to the orders passed by this Court, the petitioner surrendered before the Trial Court and got himself enlarged on bail. As the petitioner is employed abroad, he filed an application for his permanent exemption. Hence, this Court may direct the Trial Court to consider and dispose of the application for permanent exemption in accordance with law.

Taking into consideration the limited relief now prayed, by the learned counsel for the petitioner, the Crl.M.C is disposed of, by directing the Trial Court to consider and dispose the application filed by the petitioner for permanent exemption in accordance with law and as expeditiously as possible.

Sd/-