RAMESH CHANDRA SINHA vs STATE OF BIHAR .

The Supreme Court held that the taking of cognizance by the Chief Judicial Magistrate under Section 468(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code was valid despite the charge-sheet being filed after three years, as the delay was condoned under Section 473 due to prior stay orders. The Court emphasized that the limitation period can be extended if justified, and thus upheld the High Court's decision to allow the proceedings to continue. The appeal was dismissed, affirming the lower court's ruling.