P.Chitra v. The State Rep.By, The Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 20.04.2026

CORAM:

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA in Crl.A.No.477 of 2026 P.Chitra ... Petitioner Vs.

The State represented by, The Superintendent of Police, CBI/ACB/Chennai.

RC.No.23/A/2010 ... Respondent PRAYER: Criminal Miscellaneous Petition is filed under Section 430(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, to suspend the sentence imposed by the XI Additional Special Judge for CBI Cases relating to Banks and Financial Institutions), Chennai, in C.C.No.52 of 2011 on 03.03.2026 and enlarge the petitioner/appellant (A13) on bail pending disposal of the criminal appeal.

For Petitioner :

Mr.R.Mohan For Respondent :

Mr.K.Srinivasan Special Public Prosecutor (CBI)

O R D E R

This Criminal Miscellaneous Petition has been filed seeking suspension of sentence of imprisonment, imposed by the XI Additional 1/6

Special Judge for CBI Cases (CBI Cases relating to Banks and Financial Institutions), Chennai, in C.C.No.52 of 2011, vide judgment dated 03.03.2026.

2.

The conviction and sentence imposed against the petitioner/appellant (A13), vide impugned judgment are as follows:- Under Section Sentence 120B r/w 420 of IPC and Section 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act one year of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.1,000/-, in default, to undergo three months simple imprisonment.

420 of IPC one year of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.1,000/-, in default, to undergo three months simple imprisonment.

The aforesaid sentences were ordered to run concurrently. 3.

The submissions of the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner/appellant (A13) are as follows:- 3.1.

The petitioner/appellant is an innocent farmer who has been falsely implicated in this case.

3.2.

On the advice of the first accused, the petitioner/appellant submitted the application for obtaining power tiller loan. After coming to know about the illegal acts made by the main accused behind her back, the petitioner/appellant has repaid the entire loan amount 2/6

on 06.07.2012 as per the one time settlement scheme announced by the bank.

3.3.

The petitioner/appellant, a sexagenarian, has paid the fine amount and the trial Court has already suspended the sentence imposed on the petitioner/appellant for a period of one month. 3.4.

There are arguable points available in the Criminal Appeal, which is unlikely to be taken up for final hearing in the near future and the petitioners/appellants have a fair chance of succeeding in the appeal. Hence, the sentence imposed on the petitioner/appellant may be suspended.

4.

Learned Special Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondent opposed the grant of suspension of sentence stating that the petitioner/A13, who was one of the borrowers, had entered into a criminal conspiracy with the other accused and by forging and falsifying the documents such as chitta/adangal, valuation certificates, FMB copies and encumbrance certificates, cheated the bank and caused a huge financial loss. He further submitted that the trial Court, after taking into consideration the oral and documentary evidence adduced by the prosecution, rightly found the petitioner/appellant guilty and convicted and sentenced her, as stated above.

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5.

Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner/appellant and learned Special Public Prosecutor (CBI) appearing for the respondent and perused the materials on record.

6.

Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and also the submissions made by the learned counsel on either side, this Court is inclined to suspend the sentence of imprisonment imposed on the petitioner. Accordingly, till the disposal of the appeal, the relief of suspension of sentence is granted to the petitioner/appellant, subject to the following conditions:- "(i) The petitioner/appellant shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only), with two sureties, each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the XI Additional Special Judge for CBI Cases (CBI Cases relating to Banks and Financial Institutions), Chennai;

(ii) The petitioner/appellant shall appear before the trial Court once in six months on the first working day of the month concerned at 10.30 a.m., until further orders;

(iii) It is made clear that in the event of the petitioner/appellant not being able to appear before the 4/6

trial Court on the specified date, she shall be duly represented by her counsel, who shall file an application under Section 317 Cr.P.C before the trial Court and the petitioner/appellant shall appear before the trial Court on such other date(s) as directed by the trial Court. 7.

Accordingly, this Criminal Miscellaneous Petition stands ordered.

20.04.2026 ham To 1.

The XI Additional Special Judge, (CBI Cases relating to Banks and Financial Institutions, Chennai - 600 001.

2.

The Superintendent of Police, CBI/ACB/Chennai.

3.

The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

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A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA, J.

ham in Crl.A.No.477 of 2026 20.04.2026 2/2 6/6