Authority: High Court of Judicature at Madras
Order Date: 22 September 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Petitioner K. Ashok Venkatesh vs Respondent M/s. Value Housing Solutions (represented by Shanmugavel, Manager).
- Conviction: On 14 July 2025, petitioner convicted under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instrument Act by Metropolitan Magistrate Fast Track‑II, Egmore, in STC No.2436 of 2023; sentenced to six months simple imprisonment and ordered to pay compensation of Rs 15,00,000 to the complainant, with default leading to two months imprisonment.
- Appeal: Petition filed in CA No.992 of 2025 seeking suspension of sentence; appellate court on 19 August 2025 suspended sentence conditioned on deposit of 20 % of compensation (Rs 3,00,000) before the trial court within four weeks.
- Failure to Deposit: Petitioner could not deposit within the stipulated period; filed petition to extend time, which was dismissed by the XVIII Additional Judge, City Civil Court at Chennai.
- Present Petition: Petitioner filed Criminal Original Petition No.26837 of 2026 under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, seeking to set aside the dismissal and obtain an extension.
Final Outcome
- The Madras High Court set aside the order of the XVIII Additional Judge rejecting the time‑extension request.
- The court extended the time to comply with the appellate court’s condition until 01 October 2026.
- The order states that if the petitioner fails to deposit by that date, the extension order will stand cancelled and the appellate court shall take appropriate action against the accused.
- The Criminal Original Petition is disposed of.
Topics: Legal Procedure, Cheque Bounce