IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA Cr.Misc. No.47419 of 2005 BASISTH MUNI SINGH Versus STATE OF BIHAR ----------- 3 24.7.2008 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner as also the learned A.P.P. for the State. Through this application the petitioner seeks quashing of the entire proceeding arising out of Natwar P.S. Case No. 3 of 1997, G.R. No. 47 of 1997 including order dated 10.7.1997 passed thereunder by learned S.D.J.M, Bikramganj within the Judgeship of Rohtas, whereby cognizance has been taken under sections 406, 420, 467, 468 and 471 I.P.C. Seeing that the case had been lingering at a leisurely pace a Bench of this Court by order dated 16.5.2006 called for the status report from the court concerned and from the status report contained in letter dated 23.7.2007 of the Judicial Magistrate who was in seisin of the case, it appears that only two witnesses have been examined so far. Since evidence has already started in the case I am not inclined to quash the order taking cognizance or - 2 - the criminal prosecution itself. However, it is directed that the Court below in view of the age of the case which is almost 11 years old shall conclude the trial as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of four months. It is unfortunate that the two witnesses examined were in the years 2001 and 2002 and no witness appears to have been examined in the last six years. The Court below is directed to give priority to the case and complete the trial. With the aforesaid observations this application is disposed of. Spd/- (Abhijit Sinha, J.)