FERA case: Charges on TTV Dinakaran quashed, but fresh trial ordered

Justice M S Ramesh on revoking the temporary stay granted on a plea moved by Dinakaran challenging the order of framing charges by the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM), Egmore, said, “In the instant case, though I have not attributed the delay either on the prosecution or on the petitioner, the fact remains that the proceedings had dragged on for an unreasonable period. The allegations levelled against the petitioner are serious in nature and in order to secure the ends of justice, a speedy trial is undoubtedly warranted in the case.” 

Further, the judge, on noting that in order to strike a balance between the prosecution’s objection and the petitioner’s request for a day’s time for advancing his arguments with regard to framing of charges, said, “The petitioner is permitted to put forth his arguments on the charges framed in the said case. Such an exercise shall be completed within one working day and such date shall be fixed by the ACMM before July 31.” 

However, the judge also noted that, “It is made clear that I have not expressed any of my views with regard to the merits of the petitioner’s case and it is open to the ACMM to frame charges against the petitioner, if such arguments are not advanced on the stipulated date.”