THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE RAJA ELANGO CRIMINAL PETITION No.13385 of 2011 ORDER: Petitioners approached this Court with a prayer to quash the proceedings initiated against them in C.C. No.184 of 2011 on the file of the Judicial Magistrate of the First Class, Anaparthi, E.G. District initiated for offences under Section 9(2) of A.P. Gaming Act and Section 11(1)(m)(ii) and (n) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Heard. The said offences are punishable only with fine of Rs.1,000/- or with imprisonment for six months. Admittedly, the case was registered in the month of February, 2010 and the charge sheet was filed in the month of April, 2011. Hence, the period for taking cognizance expires long back. In view of the provisions under Section 468 Cr.P.C, the present cognizance taken by the learned Magistrate in the said case after the lapse of time, is erroneous in law. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this court is of the view that the proceedings pending against the petitioners are liable to be quashed. Accordingly, the Criminal Petition is allowed quashing the proceedings pending against the petitioners in C.C. No.184 of 2011 on the file of the Judicial Magistrate of the First Class, Anaparthi, East Godavari District. However, if there is any property seized from the persons concerned, the same may be returned to them. Miscellaneous petitions filed in this criminal petition, if any, shall stand closed. ____________________ RAJA ELANGO, J 21.12.2011 Gk THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE RAJA ELANGO CRIMINAL PETITION No.13385 of 2011 Date:21.12.2011 Gk.