Judicial efficiency is essential to ensure timely justice, particularly in trials facing delays.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 04.03.2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE M.NIRMAL KUMAR Sujeeth Kumar ... Petitioner Vs.

State rep., by The Inspector of Police, Central Crime Branch, ACP-II, Team-II, Tambaram City Police, Chennai – 600 119. ... Respondent Criminal Original Petition is filed under Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 to direct the Judicial Magistrate No.I, Alandur to complete the trial in C.C. No.287 of 2024 as expeditiously as possible.

For Petitioner : Mr. S. Sriram For Respondent : Mr. Leonard Arul Joseph Selvam, Additional Public Prosecutor

O R D E R

This Criminal Original Petition has been filed to direct the Judicial Magistrate No.I, Alandur to complete the trial in C.C. No.287 of 2024 as expeditiously as possible.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the respondent.

3. Considering the submissions and upon perusal of the materials it is seen that the FIR in this case registered on 05.01.2023. Thereafter, on completion of the investigation, the charge sheet was prepared on 26.04.2024 and the same was filed before the trial Court on 23.05.2024. Cognizance was taken on 24.05.2024 for the offences under Sections 120(b), 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, 506(1) IPC and r/w 34 IPC.

4. On 06.12.2024 charges were framed and thereafter, the case has been periodically adjourned without any progress. It is seen that initially there were three accused, out of whom two are no more. A1 and A3 have died and A2 alone is facing trial. The petitioner / LW.4 has filed this petition. His apprehension is that A2, the surveying accused, aged about 81 years and if further delay if caused, the petitioner would be denied justice.

5. On the submission of the learned Additional Public Prosecutor, it is seen that LW1 is from Kolkata and had appeared before the trial Court on 21.06.2025. On that day there was a boycott of Court and hence the witness could not be examined. On the next hearing date, the trial Judge was on medical leave and thereafter the case was periodically adjourned awaiting the appearance of the witness. Now the case is posted on 06.05.2026. There are totally 22 witnesses and in any event, substantial progress can be made and the entire trial can be completed within a period of six months.

6. Therefore, the trial Court is directed to give priority to this case and ensure that the trial is completed within a period of six months from the next hearing date, i.e., on 06.05.2026.

7. With the above directions, this Criminal Original Petition stands disposed of. 04.03.2026 Neutral Citation: Yes/No AT To