IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA Cr.Misc. No.37355 of 2008 RAM LALIT MAHTO Versus STATE OF BIHAR ----------- 5. 14.1.2009 Heard counsel for the petitioner. Perused the report of the trial court dated 3rd December, 2008, wherein it has been recorded that 8 witnesses have already been examined. Counsel for the petitioner informs that in all there are 13 witnesses. Taking into consideration that the prayer of bail of the petitioner was rejected on two occasions and the offence alleged against the petitioner is quite serious, this Court is not inclined to grant bail to the petitioner but at the same time as the petitioner is in custody since 21.7.2006, this Court would direct the court below to ensure that the trial is concluded and the judgment is delivered within a period of six months from today. In the event trial for any reason is not concluded within the aforesaid period, the petitioner will have a liberty to move initially the trial court which will record reasons for not concluding the trial as per the 2 aforementioned direction. If need be and if the petitioner is advised, he may file an application for bail only thereafter before this Court. The application stands dismissed with the aforementioned observation. (Mihir Kumar Jha,J.) Surendra/