Banti Gurjar vs State Of Madhya Pradesh

Sanjeev S Kalgaonkar, J

Heard on the question of admission.

Being arguable, the appeal is admitted for final hearing.

Also heard on IA No. 14193/2023, first application under Section 389(1) Cr. P.C. moved on behalf of the appellant seeking suspension of sentence and grant of bail.

Appellant stands convicted under Sections 379, 467, 468 and 420 of IPC and sentenced to undergo two years with fine of Rs.1000/-, three years with fine of Rs.2000/-, three years with fine of Rs.2000/- and three years with fine of Rs.1000/- respectively with default stipulation vide judgment of conviction and sentence dated 14/07/2023 passed by I Additional Sessions Judge, Sevdha, district Datia (M.P.) in Sessions Trial No.31/2018.

Learned Counsel for appellant submits that the learned Trial Court has committed an error in convicting and sentencing the present appellant without appreciating the prosecution evidence properly. There are material contractions and omissions in the evidence of witnesses. The appellant was on bail during trial and he did not misuse the liberty so granted to him. Fine amount has already been deposited by the appellant. The jail sentences of appellant was suspended by learned trial Court, under Section 389(3) of the Cr.P.C. There is no likelihood of hearing of appeal in near future. Presently, he is on bail. On these grounds, learned Counsel prays that execution of remaining jail sentence of appellant may be suspended and they may be enlarged on bail.

Per contra, learned Counsel for respondent State opposed the application and prayed for its rejection.

Upon hearing learned Counsel for the parties but without commenting upon rival contentions touching merits of the case, this Court is of the view that application deserves to be allowed. It is, accordingly directed that execution of remaining jail sentence of appellant shall remain suspended during pendency of this appeal and he shall be enlarged on bail subject to furnishing personal bond in the sum of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand Only) with one solvent surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of Trial Court and also subject to deposit of the fine amount (if not already deposited) for his appearance before the Registry of this Court on 19.09.2023 and on further dates as may be directed by the Registry in that regard.

Accordingly, I.A. No.14193/2023 stands allowed and disposed of. Call for the record of the Court below and list thereafter for final hearing in due course.

Certified copy as per rules.