ORDER:

This criminal petition is filed seeking to quash the proceedings in C.C.No.236 of 2016 against the petitioners- Accused Nos.1, 2, 4 and 5 on the file of the XIII Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Hyderabad, for the offences under Section 420 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Section 4 of Dowry Prohibition.

2. Heard Mr.Mohammed Abdul Jabbar, learned counsel for the petitioners and Mr.Jithender Rao Veeramalla, learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the respondent No.1-State.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that the petitioners are facing false allegations, and that only an engagement had taken place. The bride was to enter into wedlock, but the proposal was called off. However, the present complaint was filed based on false allegations of additional dowry and cheating, by the de-facto complainant. The F.I.R. pertains to the year 2014, and the present charge sheet has been filed in 2016. The counsel for the petitioner restricted his submission seeking a direction for early disposal of the case.

4. Learned Additional Public Prosecutor has not disputed the fact of the long pendency of the case and has further submitted that appropriate orders may be passed in the petition.

5. Considering the submissions of both counsel and upon perusal of the material available on record, the C.C. is pending from the year 2016. It is to be noted that a circular has been issued by the Registry to the District Courts to give priority for disposing of matters pending for more than five years. Therefore, the learned Magistrate is directed to complete the trial as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of four (04) months from the receipt of a copy of this order. However, the attendance of the petitioners/accused Nos.1, 2, 4 and 5 is dispensed with before the trial Court, unless their presence is specifically required during the course of trial, provided that they shall be represented by their counsel on every date of hearing.

6. Accordingly, this Criminal Petition is disposed of.

Miscellaneous Petitions pending, if any, shall stand closed.

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