1 CRIWP657-26.odt IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY NAGPUR BENCH, NAGPUR CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO. 657/2026 (ASHOK UTTAMRAO CHAVAN VERSUS THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA, THR. PSO PS GONDIA CITY GONDIA) Office Notes, Office Memoranda of Coram, appearances, Court's orders of directions Court's or Judge's order and Registrar's orders. Shri A.N. Rangari, counsel for the petitioner. Shri Shri V.A. Thakre, Additional Public Prosecutor for the respondent. CORAM : URMILA JOSHI-PHALKE AND RAJ D. WAKODE , JJ. D ATE : AUGUST 24 , 2026 . P. C. By this writ petition, the petitioner is seeking direction to the 1st Additional Sessions Judge, Gondia to expeditiously decide on merits the Special Case (Sessions) No.157/2021 pending on his file. 2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, who submitted that ten witnesses are already examined and now the evidence of the Investigating Officer is in progress. However, since last ten weeks, there is no progress in the matter. The petitioner is facing trial as well as suspension from service and therefore directions be issued to expeditiously decide Special Case (Sessions) No.157 of 2021. 3. Considering the fact that already ten witnesses are examined and the evidence of the Investigating Officer has already commenced, the trial Court has already directed the prosecution either to secure the presence of the Investigating Officer or the evidence could be closed. 4. In view of above, the trial Court shall dispose of Special Case (Sessions) No.157 of 2021 within three months by giving an opportunity to both the sides for adducing evidence and for final submissions. 2026:BHC-NAG:11056-DB 2 CRIWP657-26.odt 5. With these directions, the writ petition is disposed of. (RAJ D. WAKODE, J.) (URMILA JOSHI-PHALKE, J.) APTE Signed by: Apte Designation: Senior Pvt. Secretary Date: 25/08/2026 10:49:57