IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA Cr. Misc. No.46679 of 2009 RAGHUNATH SHARMA Versus STATE OF BIHAR ----------- 2/ 06.01.2010 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and the State. The prayer for bail of the petitioner was earlier rejected on 22.05.2009. The petitioner is an accused in Ahiyapur P.S. case no. 71 of 1991 dated 23.05.1991 for the offence under Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code. The petitioner was storekeeper in S.K.M.C.H., Muzaffapur and the allegation is of misappropriation of medicines and money. The petitioner was granted bail on 30.07.1991. Subsequently, bail bond was cancelled on 11.11.1991. However, the petitioner remained absconding for more than 16 years. The petitioner surrendered on 26.02.2009. Learned counsel submits that though there was a direction for expediting the trial, still the case is at the stage of evidence. Learned counsel for the State submits that the petitioner has absconded for a long time, on account of which his trial has not been begun. In the facts and circumstances of the case, I am not inclined to grant bail to the petitioner at present. Accordingly, his prayer for bail is rejected. The trial court (Sri Pankaj Mishra, Judicial Magistrate, 1st Class, Muzaffarpur) in seisin of Ahiyapur - 2 - P.S. case no. 71 of 1991 giving rise to Tr. No. 2010 of 2009 is directed to expedite the trial. Uday/ (Samarendra Pratap Singh, J.)