MAT/87/2026 of BIKASH SAHA Vs THE STATE OF WEST BENGAL AND ORS on 10 September 2026

1. The appeal is directed against an order dated 16th December, 2024 dismissing the writ petition.

2. The primary grievance of the petitioner is against inaction of the State authorities in carrying on an investigation registered as Mathabhanga Police Station Case No.29 of 2022 dated 25th January, 2022. It is submitted on behalf of the petitioner that despite being acquitted in a connected proceeding initiated under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1882, the State respondents are procrastinating the investigation. The Investigating Officer is present in court. His personal appearance is noted and dispensed with.

3. It is submitted on behalf of the State authorities that necessary steps are being taken and the investigation would be concluded as early as possible. It is also submitted on behalf of the State authorities that

2 a new Investigating Officer has recently taken charge and appropriate steps would be taken for conducting a hand writing examination in terms of the request of the earlier hand writing expert.

4. In such circumstances, MAT 87 of 2026 stands disposed of by directing the State authorities to conduct the investigation as expeditiously as possible.

5. In view of the inordinate delay on the part of the State authorities, a senior Police official the Inspector- in-Charge, Mathabhanga Police Station, is directed to supervise the above investigation.

6. With the above directions MAT 87 of 2026 stands disposed of.

(Ravi Krishan Kapur, J.)

(Supratim Bhattacharya, J.)