JUDGMENT 1. - In this petition, the petitioners have challenged the order dated 18-9-90 passed by Chief Magistrate, Sri Ganganagar and prayed that charges framed against the petitioners under section 7/16 of the Food Adulteration Act, be set aside 2. On 3-6-84 at about 10 a.m. the concerned Food Inspector inspected Laxmi Ice Candy Factory. At that time Shiv Kumar was present there. A sample of 900 grms. of Ice Candy was taken and same was sent for chemical analysis. The report of the Public Analyst was received on 17-7-84 and it was found that the material contained in the sample was adulterated, Thereafter, proper sanction was obtained and complaint was filed in the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sri Ganganagar. 3. In this case, the incident took place in July, 1984 while the charges were framed against the petitioner in September, 1990 i.e. more than six years have been taken in framing charges for the petty offence. Apart from this, the perusal of the order of trial court reveals that the petitioner Shiv Kumar was not even served till May, 1986 and thereafter witnesses did not appear on many occasions. Not only this, but there are many lacunae in the prosecution case and the petitioners have faced the criminal proceedings for more than eight years and now after the lapse of a period of eight years, the case is only at the charge stage. With this speed, the completion of trial will take another 8 to 10 years. The facing of criminal proceedings for more than 8 years by the petitioner is itself a punishment to them for this petty offence, 4. In this view of the matter, there is no justification in continuing the criminal proceedings against the petitioners for the petty offence especially when the delay is not on account of the petitioners. Hence, the charges framed against the petitioners are quashed. The criminal proceedings initiated against these petitioners be dropped.The misc. petition is allowed.Petition allowed. *******