M.Karuppiah v. Al.Ramkumar

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT ( Criminal Jurisdiction ) Monday, the Fourteenth day of March Two Thousand and Twenty Two PRESENT The Hon`ble Mr.Justice G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN IN CRL RC(MD)No.225 of 2022 M.KARUPPIAH ... PETITIONER/PETITIONER Vs AL.RAMKUMAR ... RESPONDENT/RESPONDENT Petition filed praying that in the circumstances stated therein and in the petition filed therewith the High Court may be pleased to suspend the sentence imposed bythe judgment dated. 14.02.2020 passed in C.A.No. 45 of 2015 on the file of the Principal Sessions Court, Sivagangai confirming the judgement dated. 18.04.2015 passed in STC. No.35 of 2013 on the file of the Judicial Magistrate, Fast Track Court, Karaikudi and enlarge the petitioner on bail pending disposal of the above criminal revision petition.

Prayer in CRL RC(MD). 225/ 2022 :

To call for the records of the judgment dated. 14.02.2020 passed in C.A.No. 45 of 2015 on the file of the Principal Sessions Court, Sivagangai confirming the judgement dated. 18.04.2015 passed in STC. No. 35 of 2013 on the Judicial Magistrate, Fast Track Court, Karaikudi.

Order : This petition coming up for orders on this day, upon perusing the petition filed in support thereof and upon hearing the arguments of M/S.PRAGALATHAN.N., Advocate for the petitioner, While admitting the CRL RC, the court made the following order:- This petition is filed to suspend the sentence imposed by the judgment dated. 14.02.2020 passed in C.A.No. 45 of 2015 on the file of the Principal Sessions Court, Sivagangai confirming the judgement dated. 18.04.2015 passed in STC. No. 35 of 2013 on the JM, FTC, Karaikudi.

2.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner has been convicted by the trial Court for the alleged offences punishable under Section 138 of Negotiable 1/3

Instruments Act and sentenced to undergo Simple Imprisonment for a period of six months and to pay a sum of Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh only) as compensation to the complainant.

3. Challenging the above said conviction and sentence, the petitioner has filed an appeal in Crl.A.No.45 of 2015, before the Principal Sessions Court, Sivagangai. The learned Principal Sessions Judge, Sivagangai confirmed the conviction and sentence and dismissed the appeal. Being dissatisfied with the said conviction and sentence, the petitioner has preferred the present Criminal Revision Case along with the instant miscellaneous petition seeking suspension of sentence and bail.

4. The learned counsel appearing for the revision petitioner submitted that there are several infirmities in the prosecution case and further there are contradictions in material particulars between the evidence of the prosecution witnesses. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the till today the petitioner has not surrendered before the trial Court. However, he is willing to deposit the entire cheque amount. 5.The learned counsel appearing for the respondent submitted that there are enough materials available on record against the petitioner and hence, he strongly opposed to grant suspension of sentence.

6.This Court has carefully considered the rival contentions put forward by either side and also perused the materials available on record.

7.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner pointed out that certain infirmities and inconsistencies in this case and also certain contradictions in material particulars. The fact remains that there are arguable points involved in this criminal revision and further the criminal revision is not likely to be taken up for final hearing in the near future and as such, this Court is of the considered view that the petitioner herein is entitled to the relief of grant of suspension of sentence.

8.Accordingly, the relief of suspension of sentence and bail is granted to the petitioner on the following conditions:- (i) The petitioner shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only) with two sureties, of each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the learned Judicial Magistrate, Fast Track Court, Karaikudi (ii) The petitioner shall deposit a sum of Rs.1,00,000/- on or before 21.03.2022 to the credit in Crime No. 35 of 2013 in STC No. 35 of 2013 on the file of the learned Judicial Magistrate, Fast Track Court, Karaikudi.

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(iii) 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 to ensure their identity; and (iv) The petitioner shall appear before the trial Court once in fifteen days i.e., on 1st and 15th day of every month at 10.30 a.m until further orders 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 317 of Cr.P.C 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.

sd/- 14/03/2022 / TRUE COPY / 15/03/2022 Sub-Assistant Registrar (C.S.) Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai - 625 023.

Note :In view of the present lock down owing to COVID-19 pandemic, a web copy of the order may be utilized for official purposes, but, ensuring that the copy of the order that is presented is the correct copy, shall be the responsibility of the advocate / litigant concerned.

TO 1 THE PRINCIPAL SESSIONS JUDGE, SIVAGANGAI.

2 THE JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE, FAST TRACK COURT, KARAIKUDI.

3 DO THROUGH THE CHIEF JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE, SIVAGANGAI DISTRICT.

+1. C.C. to M/S.PRAGALATHAN.N. Advocate SR.No.2069

ORDER

IN IN CRL RC(MD)No.225 of 2022 Date :14/03/2022 SA/VR/SAR.1/15.03.2022/3P/5C 3/3