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Judgment
This criminal original petition has been filed praying to quash the proceedings in Crime No.11/2024 on the file of the Neyveli Township Police Station, Cuddalore District
The case of the prosecution is that on 05.01.2024 at about 13:00 hours near Vadakkuthu School Bus Stop on Chennai to Kumbakonam National Highway, the police noticed a person shouting slogans while standing there, and making threats. Upon search, one black stone was recovered. Therefore, FIR has been registered in Crime No.11/2024 dated 05.01.2024 for the alleged offences under Sections 294(b), 353 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code read with Section 7(1)(a) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act against the petitioner herein.
Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused all the materials placed before this Court.
On perusal of records, it is revealed that even according to the case of the prosecution, the petitioner shouted against the ruling Government without even mentioning any party name. Except that, no other allegations were made.
That apart, this Court has time and again held that the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) in Part III of the Indian Constitution cannot be curtailed arbitrarily.
Further, the FIR is pending from the year 2024 without any progress. Therefore, keeping FIR pending would serve no purpose. As such, in order to meet the ends of justice, this Court is inclined to quash the impugned proceedings.
Accordingly, the impugned proceedings is quashed and this criminal original petition is allowed.