Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973–Sec. 482 [Corresponding Sec. 528 of BNSS, 2023]–Constitution of India, 1950–Art. 21–Forest Conservation Act, 1980–Rajasthan Forest Act, 1953–Criminal proceedings–Sustainability–Proceedings have remained pending for over 23 years–No direct evidence to say that the people who have been assigned as the accused, themselves cut down the trees or ordered to cut down the trees–Several accused have been passed away, and a significant number remained unserved despite repeated attempts–Criminal trial cannot be allowed to linger indefinitely, especially when the foundational aspect of fair trial and timely justice are compromised beyond repair–Even for those accused who have not approached this Court, the inherent powers vested in this Court enable to it quash the proceedings suo motu–Entire proceedings are liable to be quashed.
