Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973–Secs. 173(8)–Scope–Whenever an investigation is kept pending under sub-clause (8) of the Section, the same shall have been done or completed within a reasonable time period–Even when the agency does not reach a legitimate conclusion or show the inability to trace the accused or seek more time to collect the evidence, or to prepare the supplementary report, in all the circumstances, the SHO should submit a status report before the concerned Magistrate and should seek further time to continue the investigation–Whenever an investigation u/s. 173(8) is kept
pending, the same should not be left open for an indefinite period at the caprice and mercy of the investigation agency.
