High Court · 2025

Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025Tirunelveli, C.A.No.181 of 2023 dated 10.12.2024. whereby the convicting the Revision Petitioner to undergo 1 ½ year simple imprisonment and to pay compensation of Rs.2,00,000/- in default of fine amount to undergo 4 months simple imprisonment. 3. The facts of the case in a nutshell, led to filing of this Criminal Revision Petition and necessary for disposal of the same, are as follows:-a) The Petitioner was convicted and sentenced for the offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, by the learned Additional District Munsif Court, Valliyoor, in C.C.No.150 of 2023, by the judgment dated 13.10.2023, to undergo 1 ½ year simple imprisonment for the offence alleged under Section 138 of Negotiable Instrument Act and to pay a compensation to the tune of Rs.2,00,000/- towards cheque amount to the Respondent, in default of payment, he has to undergo further period of 4 months simple imprisonment. Aggrieved by the order of the Trial Court, the Petitioner filed a Criminal Appeal in 3/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025Crl.A.No.181 of 2023 before the learned IV-Additional District Judge, Tirunelveli.b) The learned IV-Additional District Judge, Tirunelveli, confirming the judgment passed by the Additional District Munsif Court, Valliyoor, in C.C.No.150 of 2023, dated 13.10.2023, dismissed the said Appeal vide order dated 10.12.2024. Aggrieved by the same, the present Criminal Revision Petition has been filed.4. When the matter was taken up on 22.10.2025, this Court passed the following order:“This Criminal Miscellaneous Petition is filed to condone the delay of 175 days in filing the above Criminal Revision Case.2.Heard Mr.T.Selvan, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr.S.Palani Velayutham, learned counsel for the respondent.3.Today, when the matter is being taken up, Mr.T.Selvan, learned counsel for the petitioner and 4/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025Mr.S.Palani Velayutham, learned counsel for the respondent submit that the matter has been settled between the parties amicably outside the Court and the petitioner has already paid the entire compensation amount of Rs.2,00,000/- and also an amount of Rs.30,000/- towards the cost of the proceedings to the respondent. Thus, they pray that this Court by exercising power under Section 147 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, may compound the offence.4.Accordingly, in view of the submissions made by the learned counsel for the parties and considering the fact that the matter has already been amicably settled between the parties outside the Court and the petitioner has paid the entire compensation amount of Rs.2,00,000/- and also an amount of Rs.30,000/- towards the cost of the proceedings to the respondent and being satisfied with the reasons stated in the affidavit filed in support of this Criminal Miscellaneous Petition, the delay of 175 days in filing the above Criminal Revision Case is condoned.5.This Criminal Miscellaneous Petition is ordered accordingly. Office is directed to allot regular number to the Criminal Revision Case and list the 5/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025Criminal Revision Case 'for orders' on 29.10.2025 before the appropriate Bench. The learned Counsel for the petitioner as well as the respondent are directed tofile a joint memo of compromise on or before the next date fixed.”5. Today, when the matter is being taken up, the learned Counsel for the Petitioner as well as the learned Counsel for the Respondent submit that in compliance with the order passed by this Court dated 22.10.2025, the parties have entered into a Memorandum of Compromise dated 16.10.2025, which is taken on record and as per the terms of the Compromise, the following conditions were laid down between the parties which are quoted as under:“1) The 1" party of us, filed a private complaint for 138 N.I Act against the 2nd party of us before the Judicial Magistrate Court at Vallioor initially. Later it was transferred to the Additional District Munsif at Vallioor in C.C.No: 150/2023. This case was ended in conviction as against the 2nd party of us on 6/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 202513.10.2023. The Trial Court awarded 1 ½ years simple imprisonment to the 2nd party of us and a sum of Rs.2,00,000/- as compensation to the 1st party of us.2) While being so, the 2nd party of us preferred an appeal before the IV Additional Sessions Court at Tirunelveli in C.A.No: 181/2023. It was also dismissed and the Trial Court judgement was confirmed on 10.12.2024.3) At this juncture, the 2nd party of us was arrested by the Panagudi Police under the conviction warrant issued by the Trial Court and was confined from 12.08.2025. The 2nd party of us, is now being confined in the Central Prison at Palayamkottai from this date.4) The 2nd party of us preferred a Criminal Revision before the Hon'ble High Court of Madurai Bench in Crl.R.C.(MD) S.R.No: 45240/2025. There is a delay of 176 days. Hence a petition to condone the delay is also filed along with the main petition under Crl.M.P. (MD)No: 11927/2025 and it was posted for adjudication.5) Since we are hailing from the same village, we 7/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025want to settle the matter amicably. Hence the 2nd party of us paid the cheque amount of Rs.2,00,000/- to the 1st party of us through a Demand Draft No: 384720 dated 15.10.2025 drawn in Indian Overseas Bank at Avaraikulam. Moreover the 2nd party of us paid a sum of Rs. 30,000/- as cash additionally to the 1" party of us for the cost of proceedings.6) Hence the 1st party of us does not want to proceed the case further. The 1" party of us is having no objection to release the 2nd party of us in this case. Moreover the 1st party of us hereby makes his consent to acquit the 2nd party of us in this case from all charges. The 1ª party of us hereby states that the matter was settled amicably and does not need any further actions in this proceedings. The 1" party of us hereby submits that he is not having any objections to allow the Criminal Revision Petition and also delay condoning petitions to end the case.”6. Learned Counsel for the Revision Petitioner prays this Court that, as the revision petitioner is confined in jail and he prays that as the parties have entered into compromise and in view of the Joint 8/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025Memorandum of Compromise dated 16.10.2025, the Revision Petitioner may be released from jail without imposing any condition.7. Mr.S.Palanivelayutham, learned counsel for the Respondent, submits that the entire amount has been deposited by the Revision Petitioner and no amount is due against the Revision Petitioner. He further submits that the Respondent is not interested in continuing the case against the Revision Petitioner and has no objection if the Petitioner is released from jail.8. Learned counsel for the Revision Petitioner further submits that the present Revision has been filed on 02.09.2025 before this Court and on the basis of change in circumstances, as the parties have entered into Memorandum of Compromise, it was prayed to this Court to compound the offence. It was further argued by the learned counsel for the Revision Petitioner that this Court has inherent powers to compound the offence, so that, ends of justice could be secured as the object of Negotiable 9/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025Instruments Act is primarily compensatory and not punitive and moreover Section 147 of NI Act would have an overriding effect on Section 359 Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS). Irrespective of which stage, the parties are compromising with the kind leave of this Hon'ble Court. 9. In support of his arguments, learned counsel for the Revision Petitioner has submitted that in the case of Damodar S. Prabhu vs. Sayed Babalal H reported at 2010 (2) SCC (Cri) 1328, the Hon'ble Apex Court had formulated the guidelines for compounding the offence under section 138 N.I. Act wherein in para 21, it was pleased to observe as under : "With regard to the progression of litigation in cheque bouncing cases, the learned Attorney General has urged this Court to frame guidelines for a graded scheme of imposing costs on parties who unduly delay compounding of the offence. It was submitted that the requirement of deposit of the costs will act as a deterrent for delayed composition, since at present, free 10/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025and easy compounding of offences at any stage, however belated, gives an incentive to the drawer of the cheque to delay settling the cases for years. An application for compounding made after several years not only results in the system being burdened but the complainant is also deprived of effective justice. In view of this submission, we direct that the following guidelines be followed:- THE GUIDELINES (i) In the circumstances, it is proposed as follows: (a) That directions can be given that the Writ of Summons be suitably modified making it clear to the accused that he could make an application for compounding of the offences at the first or second hearing of the case and that if such an application is made, compounding may be allowed by the court without imposing any costs on the accused. (b) If the accused does not make an application for compounding as aforesaid, then if an application for compounding is made before the Magistrate at a subsequent stage, compounding can be allowed subject to the condition that the accused will be required to pay 10% of the cheque amount to be deposited as a condition for 11/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025compounding with the Legal Services Authority, or such authority as the Court deems fit. (c) Similarly, if the application for compounding is made before the Sessions Court or a High Court in revision or appeal, such compounding may be allowed on the condition that the accused pays 15% of the cheque amount by way of costs. (d) Finally, if the application for compounding is made before the Supreme Court, the figure would increase to 20% of the cheque amount." 10. Learned counsel for the Revision petitioner also submitted that in the case of M/s Meters and Instruments Private Limited and another vs. Kanchan Mehta reported at 2017 (7) Supreme 558, the Hon'ble the Apex Court in para 18, was pleased to observe as under : “i) Offence under Section 138 of the Act is primarily a civil wrong. Burden of proof is on accused in view presumption under Section 139 but the standard of such proof is "preponderance of probabilities". The same has to be normally tried summarily as per provisions of summary trial under the Cr.P.C. but with 12/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025such variation as may be appropriate to proceedings under Chapter XVII of the Act. Thus read, principle of Section 258 Cr.P.C. will apply and the Court can close the proceedings and discharge the accused on satisfaction that the cheque amount with assessed costs and interest is paid and if there is no reason to proceed with the punitive aspect. (ii)The object of the provision being primarily compensatory, punitive element being mainly with the object of enforcing the compensatory element, compounding at the initial stage has to be encouraged but is not debarred at later stage subject to appropriate compensation as may be found acceptable to the parties or the Court. (iii)Though compounding requires consent of both parties, even in absence of such consent, the Court, in the interests of justice, on being satisfied that the complainant has been duly compensated, can in its discretion close the proceedings and discharge the accused. (iv)Procedure for trial of cases under Chapter XVII of the Act has normally to be summary. The discretion of the Magistrate under second proviso to Section 143, to hold that it was undesirable to try the 13/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025case summarily as sentence of more than one year may have to be passed, is to be exercised after considering the further fact that apart from the sentence of imprisonment, the Court has jurisdiction under Section 357(3) Cr.P.C. to award suitable compensation with default sentence under Section 64 IPC and with further powers of recovery under Section 431 Cr.P.C. With this approach, prison sentence of more than one year may not be required in all cases. (v) Since evidence of the complaint can be given on affidavit, subject to the Court summoning the person giving affidavit and examining him and the bank's slip being prima facie evidence of the dishonor of cheque, it is unnecessary for the Magistrate to record any further preliminary evidence. Such affidavit evidence can be read as evidence at all stages of trial or other proceedings. The manner of examination of the person giving affidavit can be as per Section 264 Cr.P.C. The scheme is to follow summary procedure except where exercise of power under second proviso to Section 143 becomes necessary, where sentence of one year may have to be awarded and compensation under Section 357(3) is considered inadequate, having regard to the 14/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025amount of the cheque, the financial capacity and the conduct of the accused or any other circumstances'. 11. Learned counsel for the Revision Petitioner further has relied upon the judgment of Gujarat High Court in the case of Kripal Singh Pratap Singh Ori vs. Salvinder Kaur Hardip Singh reported in 2004 Crl. L. J. 3786 wherein, the Gujarat High Court was pleased to observe as under:- “31. In the circumstances, it is hereby declared that the compromise arrived between the parties to this litigation out of court is accepted as genuine and the order of conviction and sentence passed by the learned JMFC, Vadodara and confirmed in appeal by the learned Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court, Vadodara, therefore, on the given set of facts are hereby quashed and set aside as this court intends, otherwise to secure the ends of justice as provided under section 482 Cr.P.C. Obviously the order disposing Revision Application would not have any enforceable effect." 15/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 202512. Learned counsel for the Revision Petitioner has also relied upon the judgment of Hon'ble the Apex Court in the case of Vinay Devanna Nayak vs. Ryot Seva Sahkari Bank Limited reported in AIR 2008 SC 716, wherein the Hon'ble Apex Court was pleased to observe as under : “18. Taking into consideration even the said provision (Section 147) and the primary object underlying Section 138, in our judgment, there is no reason to refuse compromise between the parties. We, therefore, dispose of the appeal on the basis of the settlement arrived at between the appellant and the respondent. 19. For the foregoing reasons the appeal deserves to be allowed and is accordingly allowed by holding that since the matter has been compromised between the parties and the amount of Rs.45,000/- has been paid by the appellant towards full and final settlement to the respondent-bank towards its dues, the appellant is entitled to acquittal. The order of conviction and sentence recorded by all courts is set aside and he is acquitted of the charge levelled against him." 16/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 202513. Learned counsel for the Revision Petitioner has argued that the law regarding compounding of offences under the N.I. Act is very clear and is no more res integra and the offences under the N.I. Act can be compounded even at any stage of the proceedings. He submits that in terms of the aforesaid law laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the parties may be permitted to compound the offence and the conviction of the petitioner be set aside. 14. Per contra, Mr.A.S.Abul Kalam Azad, the learned Government Advocate who appeared for the State assisted this Court in the matter, has vehemently opposed the submissions made by the learned counsel for the Revision Petitioner and submits that the Revision Petitioner has already been convicted by the learned trial court and the conviction order had already been upheld by the Appellate Court in the appeal. 15. The learned Government Advocate further submitted that the appeal has been rejected on merit and the Revision Petitioner was 17/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025convicted, then where the parties or any one of them can be permitted to place compromise and to get the order of acquittal from the Court is the question. He further submitted that the present case is nothing, but a gross misuse of the process of law and thus sentence cannot be compounded on the basis of compromise as filed by the parties. 16. Learned Counsel for the Revision Petitioner submits that this Court has already decided a similar issue vide judgment and order dated 19.09.2025 in Crl.R.C.(MD)No.875 of 2025 [K.Balachenniappan Vs Jeyakrishnan]. The counsel argues that the present revision petitioner's case is fully covered by the aforesaid judgment and prays that the present Revision Petition may be disposed of in the same terms. A copy of the judgment has been placed before the Court for perusal.17. I have heard the learned counsel for the Revision Petitioner, learned counsel for the Respondent and learned Government Advocate 18/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025(Criminal Side) appearing for the State and perused the materials placed on record. 18. Considering the facts as narrated above, the following question arose for consideration. 'Whether the order passed by the Appellate Court confirming the conviction of the trial court under section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act can be nullified by the High Court on the basis of compromise entered between the parties'.19. Before answering the aforesaid question as framed, I shall examine the relevant provision of the B.N.S.S, as well as the Negotiable Instrument Act. I may extract Section 359 of B.N.S.S., and Section 147 of Negotiable Instruments Act. Section 359 B.N.S.S. - Compounding of Offences - 1) The offences punishable under the sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 specified in the first 19/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025two columns of the Table next following may be compounded by the persons mentioned in the third column of that Table: - 2)The offences punishable under the sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 specified in the first two columns of the Table next following may, with the permission of the Court before which any prosecution for such offence is pending, be compounded by the persons mentioned in the third column of that Table:--3) When an offence is compoundable under this section, the abetment of such offence or an attempt to commit such offence (when such attempt is itself an offence) or where the accused is liable under sub-section (5) of section 3 or section 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023), may be compounded in like manner.20/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025(4)(a) When the person who would otherwise be competent to compound an offence under this section is a child or of unsound mind, any person competent to contract on his behalf may, with the permission of the Court, compound such offence;(b) When the person who would otherwise be competent to compound an offence under this section is dead, the legal representative, as defined in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) of such person may, with the consent of the Court, compound such offence.(5) When the accused has been committed for trial or when he has been convicted and an appeal is pending, no composition for the offence shall be allowed without the leave of the Court to which he is committed, or, as the case may be, before which the appeal is to be heard.21/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025(6) A High Court or Court of Session acting in the exercise of its powers of revision under section 442 may allow any person to compound any offence which such person is competent to compound under this section.(7) No offence shall be compounded if the accused is, by reason of a previous conviction, liable either to enhanced punishment or to a punishment of a different kind for such offence.(8) The composition of an offence under this section shall have the effect of an acquittal of the accused with whom the offence has been compounded.(9) No offence shall be compounded except as provided by this section.Section 147 of the Negotiable Instrument Act:- Offences to be compoundable.—Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 22/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 20251973 (2 of 1974), every offence punishable under this Act shall be compoundable.20. It is well settled that inherent power of the Court can be exercised only when no other remedy is available to the litigants and nor a specific remedy as provided by the statute. It is also well settled that if an effective, alternative remedy is available, the High Court will not exercise its inherent power, especially when the Revision Petitioner may not have availed of that remedy. The power can be exercised by the High Court to secure the ends of justice, prevent abuse of the process of any court and to make such orders as may be necessary to give effect to any order under this Sanhita or Act, depending upon the facts of the given case. This Court can always take note of any miscarriage of justice and prevent the same by exercising its power. These powers are neither limited, nor curtailed by any other provision of the Sanhita or Act. However, such inherent powers are to be exercised sparingly and with caution.23/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 202521. In the instant case, it is true that the appeal was dismissed and the conviction and sentence was upheld by the appellate court, but it cannot be lost sight of the fact that this Court has power to intervene in exercise of its power only with a view to do the substantial justice or to avoid a miscarriage and the spirit of compromise arrived at between the parties. This is perfectly justified and legal too. 22. I have considered the judgments cited by the learned counsel for the Revision Petitioner as well as by the learned Counsel for the State and other decisions of the Hon'ble Apex Court and I do not think it necessary to enlist those decisions which are taken into consideration for the purpose of the present proceedings. 23. In the instant case, the Revision Petitioner is invoking the inherent power of this court after dismissal of the appeal confirming his conviction and sentence. In these circumstances, I have to examine as to whether for entertaining the aforesaid case, any special circumstances are 24/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025made out or not, so it can be legitimately argued and inferred and held that in all cases where the Revision Petitioner is able to satisfy this Court that there are special circumstances which can be clearly spelt out subsequent proceeding invoking inherent power of this court can be modified and cannot be thrown away on that technical argument as to its sustainability once the contesting parties entered into subsequent compromise. 24. In view of the decisions rendered in the judgment dated 19.09.2025 in Crl.R.C.(MD)No.875 of 2025 [K.Balachenniappan Vs Jeyakrishnan] and taking into account the fact that the parties have settled the dispute amicably by way of compromise, this Court is of the view that the compounding of the offence as required to be permitted. 25. Accordingly, the present Criminal Revision Case is disposed of in terms of Memorandum of Compromise arrived at between the parties to this litigation out of Court. The impugned judgment passed by 25/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025the learned IV Additional District Judge, Tirunelveli in Crl.A.No.181 of 2023 dated 10.12.2024 confirming the conviction and sentence passed by the Additional District Munsif Court, Valliyoor in C.C No.150 of 2023, dated 13.10.2023, are hereby modified. The conviction and sentence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act in C.C No.150 of 2023, dated 13.10.2023 stands anulled as this Court intends, otherwise to secure the ends of justice. The Revision Petitioner shall be treated as acquitted on account of compounding of the offence with the complainant/person affected. 26. In the result, ●The Criminal Revision Case is disposed of in terms of Joint Memorandum of Compromise dated 16.10.2025. ●The judgment passed by the learned IV Additional District Judge, Tirunelveli in Crl.A.No.181 of 2023 dated 10.12.2024 confirming the conviction and sentence passed by the Additional District 26/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025Munsif Court, Valliyoor in C.C No.150 of 2023, dated 13.10.2023 are hereby modified. ●The conviction and sentence imposed on the Revision Petitioner by both the courts below stands anulled. ●The Revision Petitioner shall be treated as acquitted on account of compounding of the offence with the complainant/respondent. ●The Jailor, Central Prison, Palayamkottai is directed to release the Revision Petitioner from jail forthwith without imposing any condition. There is no order as to costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. Index :Yes / No30.10.2025Internet:Yes / NoNCC:Yes / NoNsr27/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025Note: Issue Order copy on 30.10.2025To:1. The Additional District Munsif Court, Valliyoor.2. The IV Additional District Judge, Tirunelveli.3.The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.Copy To:The Jailor, Central Prison, Palayamkottai. 28/29 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 2025 SHAMIM AHMED , J. NsrOrder made inCrl.R.C(MD)No.1376 of 202530.10.202529/29