IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH AT SHIMLA Cr. MP (M) No. 499 of 2026 Date of Decision: 17.04.2026 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kanti Vijay Singh ...Petitioner Versus State of Himachal Pradesh …Respondent ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coram: The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sandeep Sharma, Judge. Whether approved for reporting?1 . ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the Petitioner: Ms. Neha Thakur, Advocate vice Mr. Kulwant Singh Gill, Advocate. For the Respondent: Mr. Rajan Kahol & Mr. Vishal Panwar, Additional Advocate Generals with Mr. Ravi Chauhan & Mr. Anish Banshtu, Deputy Advocates General. HC Inderjeet present alongwith the record. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sandeep Sharma, J. (Oral) Respondent-State has filed status report, perusal whereof reveals that only two prosecution witnesses remain to be examined and for that purpose, Court below has fixed the matter on 20.05.2026. 2. In view of the above, coupled with the fact that petitioner is accused of heinous crime punishable under Sections 363, 366, 376 of IPC and Section 6 of POCSO Act, this Court is not inclined to consider the prayer made on behalf of the petitioner for grant of bail at this stage. 1 Whether reporters of the local papers may be allowed to see the judgment? 2 3. Faced with aforesaid situation, learned counsel representing the bail petitioner, seeks permission to withdraw the present petition at this stage with liberty to file afresh at appropriate stage, in accordance with law, if required and desired. Ordered accordingly. 4. Having taken note of the fact that bail petitioner is behind the bars for more than two years, coupled with the fact that only two prosecution witnesses remain to be examined, this Court hopes and trusts that Court below would make all out efforts to conclude the trial expeditiously, preferably on or before 30th June, 2026, failing which, this Court shall have not option, but to consider the prayer made on behalf of the petitioner for grant of bail, if applied. Otherwise also, it has been already made aware to all Courts on the administrative side that jail appeals as well as cases of under trial are required to be heard and decided on priority basis. 5. Registry is directed to apprise the learned Court below with regard to passing of instant order, to enable it to do the needful. (Sandeep Sharma) Judge April 17, 2026 (shankar)