IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK CRLMP No.887 of 2026 Bibhuti Prasad Panda …. Petitioner Mr. A.K. Jena, Advocate -Versus- State of Odisha & another …. Opposite Parties Ms. Babita Sahu, AGA CORAM: MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK Order No. ORDER 23.07.2026 01. 1. Heard learned counsel for the respective parties. 2. Instant CRLMP is filed by the petitioner for a direction to the learned court below for closure of trial in connection with G.R. (Special) No.9 of 2024 pending in the court of learned Additional Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge, Malkangiri within a stipulated period. 3. Referring to the chargesheet at Annexure-2 and the copies of depositions at Annexure-3 series, it is submitted by Mr. Jena, learned counsel for the petitioner that only eight witnesses have been examined from the side of the prosecution out of 26 and therefore, a direction is necessary for completion of the trial within a timeline fixed. 4. Recorded the response of the State. 5. A case under the POCSO Act is registered with other allied offences including the offences under the S.C. & S.T. (PoA) Act. Considering the limited grievance of the petitioner, who is a teacher by profession, this Court is inclined to direct the learned court below to expedite the trial and ensure examination of other material witnesses connected with the case and to conclude the same within a period of six months from the date of receipt of a copy of the above order. 6. Accordingly, it is ordered. 7. In the result, the CRLMP stands disposed of with the direction as aforesaid. 8. Issue urgent certified copy as per rules. 9. A copy of the order be immediately communicated to the learned court below for compliance. (R.K. Pattanaik) Judge Alok