Padamana Bhoi v. The Inspector Of Police
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 14.06.2024
CORAM:
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI in Crl.A.No.1250 of 2023 1.
Padmana Bhoi 2.
Dhananjay Garia
...Petitioners
Vs.
The Inspector of Police, NIB CID, Kancheepuram.
...Respondent
Criminal Miscellaneous Petition filed under Section 389(1) of Cr.P.C., to suspend the sentence passed in CC.No.112 of 2022 order dated 17.10.2023 on the file of Court of Principal Special Judge for EC & NDPS Act, Chennai, pending disposal of the above appeal. For Petitioners : Mr.T.S.Sasi Kumar For Respondent : Mrs.G.V.Kasthuri, Additional Public Prosecutor 1/7
O R D E R
This Criminal Miscellaneous petition has been filed seeking to suspend the sentence of imprisonment imposed in CC.No.112 of 2022 dated 17.10.2023 on the file of the Principal Special Judge for EC & NDPS Act, Chennai and enlarge the petitioners on bail.
2. The petitioners were convicted for the offence under Sections 8(c) r/w 20(b)(ii)(C) of the NDPS Act and were sentenced to undergo 12 years of rigorous imprisonment and were ordered to pay a fine of Rs.1,20,000/- each and in default of payment of fine, to undergo rigorous imprisonment for another six months, and the petitioners were also convicted for the offence under Section 8(c) r/w 29(1) of the NDPS Act and were sentenced to undergo 7 years of rigorous imprisonment and were ordered to pay a fine of Rs.50,000/- each and in default of payment of fine, to undergo rigorous imprisonment for another six months, vide order dated 17.10.2023 made in CC.No.112 of 2022. Aggrieved by the same, the above appeal has been filed along with this petition seeking suspension of sentence. 2/7
3. Learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that, the petitioners are not habitual offenders and there is no previous case against them. He further submitted that, there are lot of material contradictions in the evidence of the prosecution and the prosecution evidence is also highly unbelievable and petitioners are now confined in Central Prison, Puzhal-I, Chennai for about 21⁄2 years. Accordingly, he prayed for appropriate orders.
4. Learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondent submitted that though there is no previous case pending against the petitioners, however, the seized quantity is a commercial quantity. Hence, she vehemently opposed for suspension of sentence imposed on the petitioners.
5. Having regard to the fact that there are arguable points involved in the appeal and further, the appeal is not likely to be taken up for final hearing in the near future and also considering the period of incarceration, I am of the considered opinion that the petitioners are entitled for the relief of suspension of sentence.
3/7
6. Accordingly, the substantive sentence of imprisonment alone is suspended and the petitioners are directed to be enlarged on bail, on condition that the petitioners shall appear and execute a bond for a sum of Rs.10,000/- each (Rupees Ten Thousand only), with two sureties each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the Principal Special Judge for EC & NDPS Act, Chennai and on further condition that the petitioners shall appear before the trial Court twice in a week i.e., on Monday and Friday of every week at 10.30 am, pending appeal.
7. Further, it is made clear that, if the petitioners indulge in similar offence in the future, the suspension of substantive sentence alone granted today will automatically stand dismissed without any further reference to this Court.
8. This criminal miscellaneous petition is ordered accordingly. 14.06.2024 skt 4/7
To
1. The Principal Special Judge for EC & NDPS Act, Chennai.
2. The Central Prison, Puzhal-I, Chennai.
3. The Inspector of Police, NIB CID, Kancheepuram.
4. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.
5/7
M.DHANDAPANI , J.
skt in Crl.A.No.1250 of 2023 14.06.2024 6/7
7/7