Bhagwan Dass v. Vinod Kumar

CRM-A-842-2019(O&M) 3.

The issue is no longer res integra. In 'M/s Celestium Financial Vs. A. Gnanasekaran Etc. 2025 INSC 804 : 2025(3) RCR (Criminal) 208', the Hon'ble Supreme Court authoritatively held that a complainant in a prosecution under Section 138 of the NI Act, qualifies as a 'victim' under Section 2(wa) of the Cr.P.C., being the person who suffers financial loss due to the dishonour of a cheque. Consequently, such a complainant is entitled to pursue an appeal against acquittal under the proviso to Section 372 of the Cr.P.C., without the requirement of seeking special leave under Section 378(4) of the Cr.P.C.

4.

Adopting a pragmatic and justice oriented approach and guided by the principle that procedural rule must serve and not obstruct the course of justice, this Court deems it appropriate to direct that the present appeal be treated as one authoritatively instituted under the proviso to Section 372 of the Cr.P.C.

5.

In view of the authoritative pronouncement in M/s Celestium Financial's case (supra) and the view taken by this Court also in subsequent cases including in Rajat Deep Versus Prince, CRM-A1320- MA-2016, disposed off on 21.07.2025, the present application is disposed of with a direction that the learned Sessions Judge concerned shall treat the present appeal as an appeal filed under the proviso to Section 372 of the Cr.P.C. and assign the same to an appropriate Court for disposal on merits, in accordance with law.

CRM-A-842-2019(O&M) 6.

The concerned Appellate Court shall proceed to decide the appeal expeditiously, without being impeded by any delay in filing the appeal, in view of the legal position now clarified by the Hon'ble Apex Court.

7.

The Registry is directed to transmit this order along with copy of the complete paper-book and return the Trial Court record, if received, to the learned Sessions Judge.

8.

Disposed of accordingly.

(MANJARI NEHRU KAUL) 04.08.2025 JUDGE archana Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes Whether reportable :

No