B. Padmavathi v. The State Rep By, the Inspector of Police

ORDER This Criminal Original Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the learned Additional Court for Exclusive Trial of CCB cases, Egmore, Chennai to dispose of CC.No.2878 of 2024 within the time limit stipulated by this Court.

¶2The petitioners, who are the victims in CC.No.2878 of 2024 has filed the present petition. The contention of the petitioners is that the accused, under the guise of conducting chit fund, collected a huge sum to the tune of Rs.1,59,31,900/- from 50 victims. The FIR in this case was registered on

16.01.2023 and thereafter, the charge sheet was filed in the year 2024. Thereafter, the case has been kept pending without any progress, as the accused has been alternatively filing discharge petitions. The accused is not arguing the case and the case has been periodically adjourned citing discharge petitions.

¶3The learned Additional Public Prosecutor submitted that in this case there are totally 50 victims. The accused had collected amount to the tune of Rs.1,59,31,900/- from the victims under the guise of a chit scheme. He further submitted that after investigation, a charge sheet has been filed against three accused persons. The accused A2 and A3 have filed discharge petitions in CRL.MP.Nos.13871 and 13870 respectively. In the said petitions, counter has already been filed. The prosecution is ready to make their objections. However, Page3 of 5 the learned counsel for the accused are taking time. In any event, if the trial is commenced, the prosecution is ready to examine the witnesses and proceed with the case.

¶4Considering the above submissions and on perusal of materials, this Court directs the Trial Court to take up the discharge petitions without granting further adjournments, hear the arguments and dispose of the same expeditiously. Thereafter, in the event of disposal of the discharge petitions, the Trial Court shall frame charges, proceed with the trial without any further delay giving preference to the innocent victims, who have been cheated with huge money under the guise of a chit scheme. The trial shall be conducted on a day-to-day basis and shall be completed within a period six months from the date of framing of charges.

¶5Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition is disposed of. 09-04-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order PVS Page4 of 5 To

¶1The Additional Court for Exclusive Trial of CCB cases, Egmore, Chennai

¶2The Inspector of Police, Central Crime Branch - I, (Chits Division), Alpha V, Vepery, Chennai. CRLoOPoNo.o8958oofo2026 M.NIRMALoKUMAR,oJ. PVS CRLoOPoNo.o8958oofo2026 09-04-2026 Page5oofo5

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 09-04-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M. NIRMAL KUMAR 1. B. Padmavathi 2. R.Govindan 3. R.Shakila Rani 4. M.Vijayakumar ..Petitioner(s) Vs The State Rep By, The Inspector of Police Central Crime Branch - I, (Chits Division), Alpha V, Vepery, Chennai. ..Respondent(s) To direct the Learned Additional Court for Exclusive Trial of CCB cases, Egmore, Chennai to dispose of CC.No.2878 of 2024 within the time limit stipulated by this Honourable Court. For Petitioner(s): Mr.J.Shanmuga Sundara Babu For Respondent(s): Mr.Leonard Arul Joseph Selvam, Additional Public Prosecutor Page2 of 5