M.Devaki v. K.Sri Ramachandran

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 25-09-2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE T.V.THAMILSELVI IN CRL RC NO. 1828 OF 2025 M.Devaki W/o.R.Sureshkumar, 15E, 430 and 4/425B, Sri R.V.Nagar, Opp to Pricol 4th Unit, Karamadai Post, Mettupalayam, Coimbatore-641 104.

Petitioner(s) Vs K.Sri Ramachandran S/o.Kuppusamy, 171, Pasumpon Nagar, Gangapuram Post, Chithode Via, Erode-638 102.

Respondent(s) PRAYER To suspend the sentence passed in order dated 27.02.2025 passed in Criminal Appeal No.258/2019 on the file of the I-Additional Sessions Judge, Erode confirming order dated 04.10.2019 passed by the Judicial Magistrate Fast Track Court- I at Erode in STC No.202/2018 pending disposal of the present Criminal Revision Petition.

For Petitioner :

Mr. S.Sai Shankar 1/6

ORDER

This Criminal Miscellaneous Petition has been filed by the petitioner, seeking suspension of sentence imposed by the learned I Addl. Sessions Judge, Erode in Crl.A.No.258 of 2019, dated 27.02.2025, confirming the Judgment dated 04.10.2019 passed in S.T.C.No.202 of 2018 passed by the learned Judicial Magistrate, Fast Track Court-I, Erode 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. 202 of 2018 on the file of the learned Judicial Magistrate, Fast Track Court-I, Erode. She was found guilty of the offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act and she has been convicted and sentenced to undergo simple imprisonment for a period of two months and awarded to pay the compensation of Rs.3,00,000/-, in default, to undergo simple imprisonment for the period of one month. Aggrieved by the same, the petitioner had filed an appeal in Crl.A No.258 of 2023 before the learned I Addl. Sessions Judge, Erode by an order dated 27.02.2025, 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. 3.

The learned counsel for the petitioner/accused would submit that there are arguable points available in the Criminal Revision Case and the 2/6

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 a sum of Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh only) to the credit of S.T.C.No.202 of 2018 on the file of learned Judicial Magistrate, Fast Track Court-I, Erode, within a period of four weeks from today. Failing which, the order passed by this Court shall stand automatically cancelled. 3/6

(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 her 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 the trial Court may obtain a copy of their Aadhar card or Bank pass Book and mobile numbers to ensure their identity; 4/6

(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 she is not able to appear before the trial Court on any day, she 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 her absence, as directed by the trial Court;

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

25-09-2025 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes rpp To

1. I Addl. Sessions Judge, Erode.

2. Judicial Magistrate, Fast Track Court-I, Erode. 5/6

T.V.THAMILSELVI J.

rpp CRL MP No. 18037 of IN CRL RC NO. 1828 OF 2025 25-09-2025 (2/2) 6/6