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Madras High CourtCRL MP(MD)/9301/2025ordered

K.Balachenniappan v. Jeyakrishnan

2025-07-22Honourable Mrs Justice L.Victoria Gowri5 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 22.07.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI IN CRL RC(MD) NO. 875 of 2025 K.Balachenniappan ... Petitioner Vs.

Jeyakrishnan ... Respondent Prayer : This Criminal Miscellaneous Petition is filed under Section 438 of BNSS to Suspend the Sentence imposed by the learned Sessions Judge, Madurai, dated 05.04.2025, in C.A.No.34 of 2022, confirming the judgment passed by the learned Judicial Magistrate, Peraiyur, in S.T.C.No.643 of 2016 dated 26.04.2022. For Petitioner : Mr.J.Vishnu

ORDER

This Criminal Miscellaneous Petition has been filed to Suspend the Sentence imposed by the learned Sessions Judge, Madurai, dated 05.04.2025, in C.A.No.34 of 2022, confirming the judgment passed by the learned Judicial Magistrate, Peraiyur, 1/5

in S.T.C.No.643 of 2016 dated 26.04.2022.

2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner has been convicted by the learned trial Court on 26.04.2022 for the offence under Section 138 r/w 142 of the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881, and the trial Court sentenced him to undergo simple imprisonment for a period of one year and to pay a fine amount of Rs.2,000/- (Rupees Two Thousand only), in default, to undergo simple imprisonment for a period of three months as default sentence from the date of dishonor, in S.T.C.No.643 of 2016 on the file of the learned Judicial Magistrate, Peraiyur.

3. The learned Sessions Judge, Madurai, confirmed the conviction and sentence, and dismissed the Criminal Appeal No.34 of 2022 , dated 05.04.2025. Challenging the same, the present Criminal Revision Case has been filed before this Court along with this Criminal Miscellaneous Petition seeking suspension of sentence.

4. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that there are several infirmities in the prosecution case, and also there are contradictions in material 2/5

particulars between the evidence of the prosecution witnesses. Further, he submitted that the petitioner is ready to deposit 20% of the compensation amount (i.e., Rs.40,000/- and Forty Thousand only]) to show his bonafide.

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

6. The learned counsel for the petitioner pointed out that there are certain infirmities and inconsistencies in this case, and also there are 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, and also considering the bonafide expressed by the petitioner, this Court is of the considered view that the petitioner herein is entitled to the relief of grant of suspension of sentence.

7. Accordingly, this petition is allowed and the substantive sentence of imprisonment alone is suspended pending disposal of the revision with the following directions :

(i) The petitioner shall deposit a sum of Rs.40,000/- (Rupees 3/5

Forty Thousand only) to the credit of S.T.C.No.643 of 2016 on the file of the learned Judicial Magistrate, Peraiyur, on or before 19.08.2025, failing which, the sentence suspended shall automatically dismissed, and the respondent is at liberty to execute the sentence imposed by the trial Court against the petitioner in the manner known to law;

(ii) On such deposit, the petitioner shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) with two sureties, each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the learned Judicial Magistrate, Peraiyur;

(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 learned Judicial Magistrate, Peraiyur, on all working days at 10.30 a.m., until further orders.

(v) On such deposit, the learned Judicial Magistrate, Peraiyur; shall re-deposit the said sum in a Nationalised Bank, so that, the 4/5

amount accrues interest and the same can be disbursed depending upon the outcome of the Criminal Revision Case in Crl.R.C.(MD) No.875 of 2025.

9. List the matter on 20.08.2025 under the caption "for reporting compliance". sd/- 22/07/2025 / TRUE COPY / / /2025 Sub-Assistant Registrar ( C.S. I / II / III / IV ) Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai - 625 023.

Sml To 1.The Judicial Magistrate, Peraiyur.

2.Do Through The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Madurai District.

ORDER IN CRL MP(MD) No.9301 of 2025 Date :22/07/2025 SBN/25.07.2025 5P/3C Madurai Bench of Madras High Court is issuing certified copies in this format from 17/07/2023 5/5