S. Sujatha v. N.Vijayalakshmi

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 06.03.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE M.NIRMAL KUMAR S.Sujatha ... Petitioner Vs.

N.Vijayalakshmi ... Respondent Prayer : Criminal Miscellaneous Petition filed under 528 of BNSS, to extend the time for enabling the petitioner to comply the condition imposed in Crl OP No.1390 of 2026 by order dated 23.01.2026 passed by this Hon'ble Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.R.Thirumoorthy

ORDER

This Criminal Miscellaneous Petition is filed to extend the time for enabling the petitioner to comply the condition imposed in Crl.OP. No.1390 of 2026 by order dated 23.01.2026 passed by this Court.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that though this Court while allowing Crl.O.P.No.1390 of 2026 by order dated 23.01.2026, has granted two weeks time to comply with the order dated 10.11.2025 passed by the learned Principal District and Sessions Judge, Thiruvallur in Crl.M.P.No.1/2025 in Crl.A.No.244 of 2025, the petitioner was suffering from lungs ailment and therefore, she is unable to mobilize funds to comply with the conditions and therefore, she has come up with the present petition, seeking extention of time.

3. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner.

4. Considering the submission made and on perusal of the materials it is seen that the petitioner was convicted by the Trial Court for the offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act in STC No.253 of 2021 by judgment dated 07.10.2025 and the petitioner was sentenced to eighteen months simple imprisonment and to pay a compensation of Rs.20,00,000/- to the complainant. Aggrieved by the same, she filed an appeal in Crl.A.No.244 of 2025 and a learned Principal

District and Sessions Judge, Tiruvallur in Crl MP No.1 of 2025 in Crl A No.244 of 2025 by an order dated 10.11.2025 suspended the sentence and directed the petitioner to deposit 20% of the compensation amount i.e. Rs.4,00,000/- within a period of 60 days. Since the petitioner was unable to pay lump deposit within a stipulated period and approached this Court in Crl OP No.1390 of 2026 and this Court vide order dated 23.01.2026 granted two weeks period to deposit the money. The present petition is filed seeking extension of time for the reason that the petitioner is having lungs problem and currently taking treatment in hospital. Hence, seeks some more time to deposit the money.

5. In view of the above, this Court grants two weeks time finally i.e. on or before 23.03.2026, that the amount to be paid in compliance of the order dated 23.01.2026 passed in Crl.O.P.No.1390 of 2026. It is made clear that no further extension of time would be granted. In the event of the petitioner depositing the money, the appellate court take appropriate steps to proceed with the appeal.

6. This Criminal Original Petition stands ordered. 06.03.2026 Index: Yes/No Internet: Yes/No Speaking/Non-Speaking order mtl To

1. The Principal District and Sessions Judge, Tiruvallur.

2. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

M.NIRMAL KUMAR, J.

mtl 06.03.2026