G.R.Baboo v. Sju Chacko

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 02.01.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.ANAND VENKATESH Crl.O.P.Nos.28769 of 2023 G.R.Baboo ... Petitioner Vs.

Saju Chacko Rep. by his Power of Attorney P.Suganya

...Respondent

PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, to set aside the order dated 11.09.2023 by the Principal Session Judge, Chennai in Crl.MP.No.1 of 2023 in C.A.No.536 of 2023. For Petitioners : Mr.P.Mahenderchand For Respondent : Mr.A.Damodaran Additional Public Prosecutor

O R D E R

This criminal original petition has been filed challenging the order passed by the Court below in Crl.MP.No.1 of 2023 in C.A.No.536 of 2023 dated 1/4

11.09.2023, dismissing the application filed by the petitioner seeking for suspension of sentence.

2.Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and carefully perused the materials available on record.

3.The petitioner was convicted for offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act and was sentenced to undergo one year simple imprisonment and to pay the cheque amount as compensation and in default to undergo three months simple imprisonment, by judgment passed by the learned Metropolitan Magistrate, FTC-I, Egmore in C.C.No.2678 of 2017. Even while passing this judgment, the sentence was suspended for a period of thirty days. 4.The petitioner aggrieved by the above judgment, filed Crl.A.No.536 of 2023 before the Court below. Along with the appeal, the petitioner also filed an application for suspension of sentence pending disposal of the appeal. This application was dismissed by the Court below by an order dated 11.09.2023 on the ground that the suspension of sentence application was moved after the 2/4

expiry of thirty days time granted by the Trial Court while suspending the sentence. Aggrieved by the same, the present criminal original petition has been filed before this Court.

5.Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case and the ground that has been raised by the petitioner, this Court is inclined to dispose of this criminal original petition with the following directions: a)The petitioner is directed to surrender before the Principal Sessions Judge, Chennai and file a bail application on or before 09.01.2024. b)On such surrender, the Court below shall grant interim bail to the petitioner for a period of sixty days by directing the petitioner to deposit 20% of the compensation amount that was fixed by the Trial Court. c)If the petitioner deposits the amount within the time frame fixed by the Court below, the bail order shall be made absolute by imposing necessary conditions, and 3/4

N.ANAND VENKATESH, J ssr d)If the petitioner fails to deposit the amount within the time frame fixed by the Court below, the interim bail shall be canceled and the petitioner shall be secured and made to undergo the sentence imposed by the Trial Court. 02.01.2024 Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes/No Speaking/Non-Speaking Order ssr To 1.The Principal Session Judge, Chennai 2.The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.

Crl.O.P.Nos.28769 of 2023 4/4