SANDEEP MEHTA, J. - (1.) The instant misc. petition is preferred by the petitioners seeking quashing of the proceedings of the Criminal Case No. 42/2014 (502/2002) "Drug Control Officer; Udaipur v. M/s. Acron Distributors and Ors. pending in the Court of learned Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate No. 1, Udaipur for the offences under Sections 27(B)(1), 27(C) and 27(D) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
(2.) Facts in brief:- A complaint was filed by the Drugs Inspector against the petitioners in the Court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate No. 1, Udaipur on 17.10.2002. The Trial Court took cognisance of the aforesaid offences against the petitioners and summoned them to face trial. Subsequent to the recording of the pre-charge evidence, charges were framed and read over to the accused on 11.4.2005.
(3.) The accused Nos. 7 and 8 filed an application for dropping of the proceedings on the ground that they are not connected with the firm M/s. Acron Distributors in any manner and thus, the proceeding be dropped against them. The Trial Court by order dated 12.3.2014 rejected the said application. It was observed that the charges were framed against the accused 9 years back. The case was at the stage of recording of statement of the accused. There was no provision in law which permitted the Trial Court to drop the proceedings against the accused at this stage. The application was accordingly rejected by a detailed; order dated 4.4.2014.;