ORDER : M.K. Mukherjee and S.P., Kurdukar, JJ. 1. While employed as the Principal of S.S. Memorial College, Ranchi the Respondent was arraigned before a Judicial Magistrate for committing breach of trust in respect of a sum of Rs. 6 lakhs and odd, which was earmarked for disbursement to the Adivasis and Harijan students as Scholarships. After charges were framed against him and three prosecution witnesses were examined, the Respondent moved the High Court for quashing the proceedings of the case on the ground that since the offences were allegedly committed by him more than 11 years had elapsed and no effective steps had been taken till then by the prosecution for its expeditious disposal. The High Court accepted the contention of the Respondent and quashed the proceeding as prayed for. The above order is under challenge in this appeal at the instance of the State of Bihar. 2. While it is true that from the date the FIR was lodged against the Respondent about 10 years had passed when charges were framed against him, it is equally true that after the charges were framed in the month of June, 1985 the prosecution took effective steps for disposal of the case, in that, it started examining its witnesses. The High Court, therefore, was not at all justified in quashing the proceedings at that stage. We therefore, allow this appeal, set aside the impugned order and direct the Magistrate concerned to dispose of the case as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of six months from the date of the receipt of this order. Appeal allowed.