Prem Balab v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH Criminal Revision No.1574 of 2009 (O&M) Date of decision: September 10th, 2025 Prem Balab .....Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab ....Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANJARI NEHRU KAUL

Present:

Mr. Sachin Sharma, Advocate for Mr. Aman Bahri, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Amit Rana, Senior Deputy Advocate General, Punjab. MANJARI NEHRU KAUL, J.

Petitioner is challenging the judgment dated 05.06.2009 passed by learned Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court), Fatehgarh Sahib, whereby the appeal preferred by him against the judgment of conviction and order of sentence dated 20.01.2007 passed by learned Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Fatehgarh Sahib, in FIR No.108 dated 05.08.2001 under Sections 279, 304-A of the IPC registered at Police Station Khamanon, vide which the petitioner was convicted and sentenced as follows, was dismissed, however, the sentence awarded to the petitioner under Section 279 of the IPC was set aside: Offence(s) under Section Period of sentence Fine imposed Period of sentence in default of payment of fine 279 of the IPC RI for 6 months - - 304-A of the IPC RI for 2 years `500/- SI for 1 month 2.

Both the sentences were ordered to be run concurrently.

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Learned counsel for the petitioner, at the very outset, submits that he does not wish to assail the findings of conviction recorded by the learned trial Court on merits. His submissions are, therefore, confined solely to the aspect of quantum of sentence. 4.

It is further contended by the learned counsel for the petitioner that the incident in question pertains to the year 2001, and ever since, the petitioner has been facing the ordeal of prolonged trial proceedings, spanning more than two decades. Learned counsel submits that out of the substantive sentence of two years imposed upon him by the learned trial Court, the petitioner has already undergone actual incarceration of about 34 days. In these circumstances, it is urged that a lenient view be taken while considering the question of sentence, particularly in light of the protracted nature of the proceedings and the period of imprisonment already undergone.

5.

In support of this plea, reliance has been placed upon the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Sagar Lolienkar Versus The State Of Goa 2022 (1) SCC 161, wherein it has been observed that even in cases involving conviction under Section 304-A of the IPC, the substantive sentence of imprisonment can, in appropriate circumstances, be reduced to the period already undergone.

6.

Per contra, learned State counsel has opposed the prayer for reduction of sentence. It has been contended that the gravity of the offence, coupled with the established culpability of the petitioner, does not warrant any further leniency in the matter of sentence. However, learned State counsel fairly concedes that subsequent to the accident of 2001, the petitioner has maintained good conduct and has not been found involved in any other criminal case.

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I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the relevant material on record.

8.

Both the Courts below have returned concurrent findings of guilt as regards Section 304-A of the IPC, which are borne out from the evidence on record and do not suffer from any illegality, irregularity or perversity. Hence, the conviction of the petitioner is affirmed. The only question that survives for consideration is that of sentence. It is undisputed fact that the accident in question took place close to 24 years ago. During this entire period, the petitioner has faced the ordeal of protracted criminal proceedings. It is also not disputed that he has not been involved in any other criminal case either prior to or after the occurrence, and has maintained good conduct. The petitioner has already undergone about 34 days of incarceration. 9.

Having regard to the aforesaid circumstances, including the long passage of time since the incident, the clean antecedents of the petitioner, and the period of imprisonment already undergone, this Court is of the considered opinion that the ends of justice would be adequately met by reducing the substantive sentence to the period already undergone while enhancing the quantum of fine. 10.

Accordingly, while upholding the conviction of the petitioner, the substantive sentence of two years rigorous imprisonment awarded to him is hereby reduced to the period already undergone. 11.

However, the fine imposed upon the petitioner is enhanced from 500/- under Section 304-A of the IPC to 5,000/-, which shall be ₹ ₹ deposited with the Punjab State Legal Services Authority Disaster Relief Fund, Account No.44426937384, IFSC Code: SBIN0014656, Branch Name: Sector 68, SAS Nagar, Mohali.

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It is made clear that in the event of failure on the part of the petitioner to deposit the enhanced fine within a period of one month from today, the benefit of reduction of sentence shall not accrue to him, and he shall be required to undergo the remaining part of the sentence awarded by the Courts below.

13.

With the aforesaid modifications, the revision petition stands disposed of.

September 10th, 2025 (MANJARI NEHRU KAUL) Puneet JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes Whether reportable :

No