The facts leading to the filing of this petition for quashment of proceedings arc that a complaint under section 448/403/354/342/145/147/5(16/452, P.P.C. Was filed by Mushtaq Ahmad, respondent No.1, against the petitioners and respondents Nos. 2 to 5. After preliminary investigation, process against the respondents in the complaint was issued and the case remained pending since 28-7- 1980 in which the charge has also been framed. The petitioner moved an application under section 249-A, Cr.P.C. Praying for acquittal which was kept pending for a number of years, and ultimately rejected.
2. It is contended by learned counsel for the petitioner that the case is pending since 1980 and there has not been any progress, therefore, the proceedings may be quashed. Submits that the petitioner has been undergoing the agony of the trial for the last almost nine years without there being any progress. Submits that the case against the petitioners is absolutely false and cannot result in conviction. The contentions have been opposed by learned counsel for the respondents.
3. I have heard the learned counsel and perused the record as well as' parawise comments submitted by A.C. Model Town Sub-Division, Lahore. Since the charge in the case has also been framed and the case is pending for recording of evidence, in such circumstances, I think it will suffice, if a direction to the trial Court is issued to conclude the trial within four months without fail.
In case the trial Court is unable to conclude the case within the above said period he shall submit a detailed report enumerating the circumstances under which the trial could not be concluded. With these observations, the petition is disposed of. Office is directed to inform the trial Court immediately.
N.H.Q./A-660/L