IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA Cr.MP (M) No.1173 of 2026 Date of Decision: 13.07.2026 _______________________________________________________ Rakesh Kumar …….Petitioner Versus State of HP … Respondent _______________________________________________________ Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sandeep Sharma, Judge. Whether approved for reporting? 1 For the Petitioner : Mr. R.L.Chaudhary, Advocate. For the Respondent : Mr. Rajan Kahol & Mr. Vishal Panwar, Additional Advocates General with Mr. Ravi Chauhan & Mr. Anish Banshtu, Deputy Advocates General. ASI Pawan Kumar, PS Dharamshala, District District, H.P. present in person along with record. _______________________________________________________ Sandeep Sharma, Judge(oral): Respondent/State has filed status report and ASI Pawan Kumar has come present with the record. Record perused and returned. 2. Having carefully perused status report as well as record, this Court finds that statements of all prosecution witnesses stand recorded and now, matter has been listed for recording the statement of the accused under Section 313 Cr.P.C. on 14.07.2026. Since trial is nearing completion, coupled with the fact that bail-petitioner is accused of heinous crime punishable under Section 6 of POCSO Act, 1 Whether the reporters of the local papers may be allowed to see the judgment? 2 this Court is not persuaded to consider the prayer made on behalf of the petitioner for grant of regular bail. 3. Faced with aforesaid situation, learned counsel for the petitioner seeks permission to withdraw the present petition with liberty to file afresh, if so required and desired. Ordered accordingly. 4. Having taken note of the fact that bail-petitioner is behind bars since 17.02.2025, coupled with the fact that matter is already fixed for recording the statement of accused under Section 313 Cr.P.C, Court below is directed to conclude the trial expeditiously on or before 15.08.2026, failing which, bail petitioner would be at liberty to approach this Court for grant of bail. Otherwise also, this Court, on administrative and judicial sides, has been issuing directions to the learned trial Courts to decide the cases of under-trials on priority basis, so that the freedom of such persons, is not curtailed for an indefinite period. 5. Registry to apprise the learned Court below with regard to passing of instant order, enabling it to do the needful well within stipulated time. (Sandeep Sharma), Judge July 13, 2026 (sunil)