Umesh Kumar Rai v. Dharminder Singh

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRM-A-2386-MA-2016 (O&M) Date of decision: 25.08.2025 Umesh Kumar Rai ....applicant-appellant

Versus

Dharminder Singh

...Respondent

CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE AMAN CHAUDHARY ***** Present :

Mr. H.P.S. Ghuman, Advocate for the applicant-appellant ***** AMAN CHAUDHARY, J. (ORAL) 1.

The present application has been preferred under Section 378(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (hereinafter 'Cr.P.C.') seeking grant of leave to appeal against the judgment of acquittal dated 21.09.2016 passed by the learned Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Nabha in a complaint filed under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (hereinafter 'NI Act'). 2.

Hon'ble the Supreme Court in M/s Celestium Financial vs. A. Gnanasekaran Etc., 2025 SCC OnLine 1320, held that an appeal is maintainable under the proviso of Section 372 Cr.P.C. (corresponding Section 413 of BNSS, 2023) against an order of acquittal passed in a complaint under Section 138 NI Act, by treating the complainant therein, as a 'victim' within the meaning under Section 2 (wa) of Cr.P.C, in view of which, the present appeal is disposed of by directing the concerned Sessions Judge, for treating it to have been filed under Section 372 of Cr.P.C. and assigning the same to the Court concerned for deciding it.

3.

Registry is directed to send the complete paper-book and trial Court MOHIT 2025.08.27 18:04 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CRM-A-2386-MA-2016 (O&M) -2record, if received, along with the said order forthwith, while also informing the parties.

(AMAN CHAUDHARY) JUDGE 25.08.2025 M.Kamra Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes / No Whether reportable :

Yes / No MOHIT 2025.08.27 18:04 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document