Authority: Madras High Court, Madurai Bench

Order Date: 06 July 2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioners: DSR Traders, through its partner R. Ravindran (Petitioner) and R. Ravindran (Petitioner).
  • Respondent: N. Shanmugavel.
  • Criminal Miscellaneous Petition (CRL MP) No.13146 of 2026 filed in CRL RC(MD) No.1106 of 2026 under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to suspend the sentence imposed on 24‑02‑2026 in C.A.No.79 of 2023.
  • Background: The petitioner was convicted by the Judicial Magistrate No.1, Dindigul in C.C.No.363 of 2022 (dated 08‑06‑2023) for an offence under Section 138 read with Section 142 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. The court ordered simple imprisonment for one year and compensation of Rs.2,65,730 to the respondent, with a default imprisonment of one month for non‑payment.
  • The Principal District and Sessions Court, Dindigul, confirmed the conviction and sentence and dismissed the appeal dated 24‑02‑2026. A criminal revision petition was subsequently filed, accompanied by the present miscellaneous petition seeking suspension of the sentence.
  • The petitioner argued that there were several infirmities and contradictions in the prosecution case and that he had already deposited Rs.80,000 before the appellate court.
  • The Court examined the rival contentions, noted inconsistencies in material particulars, and observed that the revision case involved arguable points and was unlikely to be heard soon.

Final Outcome

  • The Court allowed the petition and suspended the substantive imprisonment sentence pending disposal of the revision.
  • Directions:

1. The petitioner shall execute a bond of Rs.25,000 (Rupees Twenty‑Five Thousand only) with two sureties, each for an equal amount, to the satisfaction of the learned Judicial Magistrate No.1, Dindigul.

2. The sureties must affix their photographs and left thumb impressions on the bond; the trial court may obtain copies of their Aadhaar cards or bank passbooks for identity verification.

3. The petitioner shall appear before the trial court on all working days at 10:30 a.m. until further orders.

  • Notice of the order is to be issued to:
  • The Principal District and Sessions Court, Dindigul;
  • The Judicial Magistrate No.1, Dindigul;
  • The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Dindigul District (through the CJM);
  • The Superintendent of Prison, Central Prison, Madurai.

Topics: Criminal Bail, Negotiable Instruments Act