The Madras High Court recently disposed of a Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), seeking a direction to the respondent police for the early completion of investigation and filing of a final report in Crime No. 26 of 2026.

Key Arguments Raised by Mr. Rahul Jagannathan

Representing the petitioner, counsel Mr. Rahul Jagannathan robustly advocated for the swift administration of criminal justice. His primary contentions focused on:

• Expeditious Investigation: Urging the court to exercise its powers under Section 528 of the BNSS to prevent undue delays in the investigative process.
• Right to a Timely Trial: Emphasizing that an unreasoned delay in filing the final report in Crime No. 26 of 2026 prejudices the petitioner and undermines the efficiency of the criminal justice system.
• Seeking Judicial Intervention: Pressing for a strict, time-bound mandate directing the first respondent—the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chits Kandhuvatti and FPIW, Chennai CCB-II—to complete the pending investigation and file the charge sheet.

Court’s Observations and Directions

Upon the matter being taken up for hearing, the Learned Government Advocate appearing for the State, acting on instructions, submitted that the ongoing investigation would be wrapped up expeditiously within a period of three months.

Taking note of this submission, Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy disposed of the criminal original petition with the following directions:

• The respondent police must complete the investigation in Crime No. 26 of 2026 in accordance with the law.
• The final report (charge sheet) must be filed not later than three (3) months from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order.