Crl.Petn./38/2026 of NRIPESH KANTI MOHANTA Vs THE STATE OF MEGHALAYA AND ORS. on 14 August 2026

1. The State of Meghalaya represented by the Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Home (Police) Department.

2. Deputy Commissioner, Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya.

3. M/s Coalfield India Pvt. Ltd. represented by its manager/ proprietor Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya. ...Respondents

Coram:

Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Revati Mohite Dere, Chief Justice Appearance: For the Petitioner : Ms R. Paul, Adv.

For the Respondents : Mr R. Gurung, GA

i) Whether approved for No

reporting in Law journals etc.:

ii) Whether approved for publication No

in press:

Serial No.03 Daily List

JUDGMENT: (per the Hon’ble, the Chief Justice) (Oral)

By this petition, the petitioner seeks quashing of the FIR dated 27.03.2003 registered with the Khanapara Police Station, being Khanapara P.S. Case No. 3(3) 2003.

2. It is not in dispute that, although the case is of 2003, charge-sheet was filed by the Police in the said case only in 2006 and that trial commenced only in 2019, inasmuch as, charge came to be framed in 2019. It also appears that the prosecution has examined one witness.

3. Since trial has commenced and the prosecution has already examined one witness, it is not necessary to consider the prayers/reliefs sought by the petitioner. Without going into the merits of the case, since trial has commenced and the evidence of one witness has already been recorded, this Court deems it appropriate to direct the learned Sessions Judge, Ri-Bhoi District, Nongpoh to dispose of Session Case No. 6 of 2020 as expeditiously as possible, in any event, within three months from the date of receipt of this order.

4. The said case is being expedited having regard to the fact, that the FIR in the said case was registered way back in 2003 and having regard to the fact, that an expeditious trial is the constitutional right of an accused.

5. The aforesaid petition stands disposed of accordingly.

6. It is made clear, that this Court has not gone into the merits of this case and as such, keep all contentions of all parties on merits open.

7. Registry to forthwith forward a copy of this order to the learned Sessions Judge, Ri-Bhoi District, which is seized of Session Case No. 6 of 2020.

8. All parties to act on the authenticated copy of this order.

(Revati Mohite Dere)

Chief Justice Corrected vide order dated 17.08.2026.

Meghalaya 18.08.2026 “Sylvana PS”

Digitally signed by SYLVANA LIZ KHARBHIH Date: 2026.08.18 13:26:36 IST Signature Not Verified