Through: Mr. Avinash Lakhanpal, Advocate along with Mr. Sanjay Jain, AR ofthe v. M/S INDIRA TYRES & ORS

Delhi High Court · 07 Mar 2017 · 2017:DHC:8541
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VIPIN SANGHI; 2017:DHC:8541 -f from being subjected to fine, which is twice the amount ofthe cheques.; Rs.1.35 Lakhs covered by 12 cheques out of 61 cheques in question, comes toRs.12,47,814/-.; Rs.24,50j000/- shall be disbursed to the
2017:DHC:8541

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HIGH COURT OF DELHI
CRL.A. 817-831/2016, 833/2016 & 936/2016 M/S APOLLO TYRES LTD Appellant
Through: Mr. Avinash Lakhanpal, Advocate along with Mr. Sanjay Jain, AR ofthe appellant.
VERSUS
M/S INDIRA TYRES & ORS Respondents
Through: Mr. Shahid Azad, Ms. Menu Sharma & Md. Aslam, Advocates.
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VIPIN SANGHI
07.03.2017 The convicts are present with their counsel.
I have heard learned counsel for the appellant as well as the learned counsel for the convicts on the aspect of sentence.
The submission of learned counsel for the appellant is that the cheques in question were issued in the year 1999-2000 and the complaints were preferred on 22.06.2000. Since then, nearly 16 '/2 years have elapsed.
He submits that under the Negotiable Instruments Act, the rate of interest payable in respect of a liability is 18% per annum. He submits that the appellant has had to pursue the criminal complaint before the Trial Court, and thereafter the present appeal for the last 16 14 years, and in these circumstances, the convicts should be given the maximum sentence apart
2017:DHC:8541 -f from being subjected to fine, which is twice the amount ofthe cheques.
On the other hand, learned counsel for the convicts submits that respondent No.2/ Kuldeep Singh and respondent No.4/ I.S. Bedi are both senior citizens. He states that respondent No.4 is a cancer patient. He further points out that the principal liability, after granting adjustment of
Rs.1.35 Lakhs covered by 12 cheques out of 61 cheques in question, comes toRs.12,47,814/-.
Having heard learned counsel, considering the fact that the cheques were issued in the year 1999-2000 and the fact that the principal liability is to the tune of Rs.12.47 Lakhs in respect of the dishonoured cheques, and also considering the fact that respondents No. 2 & 4 are senior citizens, the respondents are subjected to a collective fine of Rs.24,97,000/-. The said fine shall be deposited within six weeks. Out of the said fine, an amount of
Rs.24,50j000/- shall be disbursed to the appellant towards compensation.
However, in case of failure on the part of the convicts to deposit the said amount as aforesaid, in default ofpayment ofthe said fine, respondent No.2/
Kuldeep Singh shall undergo a sentence of Simple Imprisonment for a period of one month; respondent No.3/ Paramjeet Singh shall undergo a sentence of Simple Imprisonment for a period of one year; and respondent
No.4/ I.S. Bedi shall undergo Simple Imprisonment for a period of fifteen days.
The appeals stand disposed of. Dasti.
VIPIN SANGHI, J MARCH 07, 2017 B.S. JRohella 2017:DHC:8541
JUDGMENT