D.Sivaramkumar v. Althap Hamed

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 23-09-2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE T.V.THAMILSELVI IN CRL RC NO. 1803 OF 2025 D.Sivaramkumar Proprietor, M/s.Sivaram Media Works, 108, Durai Rajan Street, Kaveri Rangam Nagar, Saligramam, Chennai600 093.

Petitioner(s) Vs Althap Hamed Proprietor, M/s.Media Times, 7, Pasumathy Street, Rangarajapuram, Chennai.

Respondent(s) PRAYER To suspend the sentence passed in Crl.A.No.254/2024 on the file of Honble XVII Additional District and Sessions Court at Chennai on 14.07.2025, confirming the order dated 11.03.2024 in STC No.4338/2022 on the file of Learned Metropolitan Magistrate, Fast Track Court No.III, Saidapet, Chennai till the disposal of the criminal revision petition. For Petitioner:

Mr.A.Parthasarathy for M/s.A.Parthasarathy and Associates 1/6

ORDER

This Criminal Miscellaneous Petition has been filed by the petitioner, seeking suspension of sentence imposed by the learned XVII Addl. District and Sessions Court, Chennai in Crl.A.No.254 of 2024, dated 14.07.2025, confirming the Judgment dated 11.03.2024 passed in S.T.C.No.4338 of 2022 by the learned Metropolitan Magistrate, Fast Track Court No.III, Saidapet, Chennai and enlarge the petitioner on bail pending disposal of the above Criminal Revision.

2.

The petitioner herein is the accused in S.T.C No. 4338 of 2022 on the file of the learned Metropolitan Magistrate, Fast Track Court No.III, Saidapet, Chennai. He was found guilty of the offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act and he has been convicted and sentenced to undergo simple imprisonment for a period of six months and awarded to pay the cheque amount as compensation to the complainant under Sec.357(3) Cr.P.C., in default to pay compensation, to undergo further period of one month simple imprisonment. Aggrieved by the same, the petitioner had filed an appeal in Crl.A No.254 of 2024 before the learned XVII Addl. District and Sessions Judge, Chennai by an order dated 14.07.2025, had dismissed the above appeal, confirming the judgment and sentence imposed by the trial Court. Aggrieved by the same, the present revision has been filed. 2/6

3.

The learned counsel for the petitioner/accused would submit that there are arguable points available in the Criminal Revision Case and the petitioner/accused has got a fair chance of succeeding in the Criminal Revision Case and hence, the substantive sentence imposed against the petitioner/accused may be suspended. He would submit that the petitioner is ready to abide any condition to be imposed by this Court.

4.

Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and also perused the materials placed on record.

5.

Considering the submissions of the learned counsel for the petitioner, coupled with the quantum of punishment imposed upon the petitioner and taking into consideration the fact that this criminal revision is not likely to be taken for final hearing in the near future, this Court is of the view that the substantive sentence of imprisonment alone can be suspended on certain conditions. Accordingly, till the disposal of the Criminal Revision Case, the reliefs of suspension of sentence and bail are granted on the following conditions:

(i) the petitioner shall deposit another sum of Rs.4,00,000/- (Rupees four lakhs only) to the credit of S.T.C.No.4338 of 2022 on the file of learned Metropolitan 3/6

Magistrate, Fast Track Court No.III, Saidapet, Chennai, within a period of four weeks from today. Failing which, the order passed by this Court shall stand automatically cancelled. (ii) On such deposit being made, the trial Court shall redeposit the said amount in a Fixed Deposit Account, in any one of the Nationalized Banks, renewable thereafter periodically. The disbursal of this amount shall be decided at the culmination of the Criminal Revision Case;

(iii) On the failure of the petitioner/accused depositing the above said amount, it is open to the trial Court to commit the petitioner/accused into custody for undergoing the sentence. (iv) On the petitioner depositing the amount as stated clause (i) supra, the sentence of imprisonment alone, imposed on the petitioner/accused, shall be suspended, on his execution of a bond for a sum of Rs.25,000/- with two sureties, each for a likesum to the satisfaction of the trial court;

(v) The petitioner and the sureties shall affix their photographs and Left Thumb Impression in the surety bond and 4/6

the trial Court may obtain a copy of their Aadhar card or Bank pass Book and mobile numbers to ensure their identity; (vi) The petitioner shall appear before the Trial Court on the first working day of every English Calendar month at 10.30 a.m., until the disposal of the revision petition and if he is not able to appear before the trial Court on any day, he shall make arrangements to file an application under Section 355 of BNSS, 2023 and shall appear before the trial Court on any other day in lieu of the date of his absence, as directed by the trial Court;

6. With the above directions, this Criminal Miscellaneous Petition is ordered.

23-09-2025 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes rpp To

1. XVII Addl. District and Sessions Court, Chennai.

2. Metropolitan Magistrate, Fast Track Court No.III, Saidapet, Chennai. 5/6

T.V.THAMILSELVI J.

rpp CRL MP No. 17871 of IN CRL RC NO. 1803 OF 2025 23-09-2025 (2/2) 6/6