CRM-A-370-2022 (O&M) IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATES OF PUNJAB AND 279 Japanese Pest Agro Science R. K. Fertizlizers CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA Present:- MANISHA BATRA, J. 1. Section 378(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure grant of leave to file appeal against the judgment passed by the Court of learned Criminal complaint filed under Section ‘N. I. Act’) acquitting the respondent 2. recent pronouncement of Hon’ble Supreme Court in vs. A. Gnanasekaran Etc., 2025(3) RCR (Criminal) 208 directing the present application as an appeal, filed under Sections 372 of Cr.P.C. (which is pari materia with Section 413 of Sanhita, 2023 2022 (O&M) IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATES OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH Japanese Pest Agro Science Versus Fertizlizers CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA Mr. Sanjiv Kumar Jindal, Advocate for the applicant. MANISHA BATRA, J. (Oral) The instant application has been filed Section 378(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure grant of leave to file appeal against the judgment by the Court of learned Sub Divisional Criminal complaint titled as Japanese Pest Agro Science vs. R. K. Fertilizers filed under Sections 138 and 142 of the Negotiable Instruments Act ‘N. I. Act’), whereby the aforesaid complaint had been dismissed, thereby acquitting the respondent of the said offence. Today, learned counsel for the applicant, while relying upon a recent pronouncement of Hon’ble Supreme Court in vs. A. Gnanasekaran Etc., 2025(3) RCR (Criminal) 208 directing the present application as an appeal, filed under Sections 372 of (which is pari materia with Section 413 of Sanhita, 2023), the same be sent to appropriate Court for its disposal. -1- IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATES OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-A-370-2022 (O&M) Date of decision: 12.08.2025 ...Applicant ...Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA , Advocate application has been filed by the applicant under Section 378(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (for short ‘Cr.P.C.’) seeking grant of leave to file appeal against the judgment of acquittal dated 21.12.2021 Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrate, Guhla Japanese Pest Agro Science vs. R. K. Fertilizers of the Negotiable Instruments Act (for short aforesaid complaint had been dismissed, thereby of the said offence. earned counsel for the applicant, while relying upon a recent pronouncement of Hon’ble Supreme Court in M/s. Celestium Financial vs. A. Gnanasekaran Etc., 2025(3) RCR (Criminal) 208, has submitted that by directing the present application as an appeal, filed under Sections 372 of (which is pari materia with Section 413 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha , the same be sent to appropriate Court for its disposal. 2022 (O&M) 12.08.2025 Applicant ...Respondent under seeking 21.12.2021, Guhla in Japanese Pest Agro Science vs. R. K. Fertilizers, (for short aforesaid complaint had been dismissed, thereby earned counsel for the applicant, while relying upon a M/s. Celestium Financial submitted that by directing the present application as an appeal, filed under Sections 372 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha MOHAMMAD WASEEM ANSARI 2025.08.12 19:14 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-A-370-2022 (O&M) 3. Court has interpreted Sections 372 and 378(4) of Cr.P.C. and has observed that the victim in a private complaint case has a right to file an appeal, under Section 372 of Cr.P.C., against the order Sessions. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has observed as follows: 2022 (O&M) In M/s. Celestium Financial’s case (supra), the Hon’ble Supreme Court has interpreted Sections 372 and 378(4) of Cr.P.C. and has observed that the victim in a private complaint case has a right to file an appeal, under Section 372 of Cr.P.C., against the order Sessions. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has observed as follows: “7.12 The reasons for the above distinction are not far to see and can be elaborated as follows: Firstly, the victim of a crime must have an absolute right to prefer an appeal which cannot be circumscribed by any condition precedent. In the instant case, a victim under Section 138 of the Act, i.e., a payee or the holder of a cheque is a person who has suffered the impact of the offence committed by a person who is charged of the offence, namely, the accused, whose cheque has been dishonoured. Secondly, the right of a victim of a crime must be placed on par with the right of an accused who has suffered a conviction, who, as a matter of right can prefer an appeal un CrPC. A person convicted of a crime has the right to prefer an appeal under Section 374 as a matter of right and not being subjected to any conditions. Similarly, a victim of a crime, whatever be the nature of the crime, unconditiona right to prefer an appeal. Thirdly, it is for this reason that the Parliament thought it fit to insert the proviso to sub condition precedent to be fulfilled by the victim of an offence, which expression also includes the legal representatives of a deceased victim who can prefer an appeal. On the contrary, as against an order of acquittal, the State, through the Public Prosecutor can prefer an appeal even if the complainant does not prefer such an appeal, though of course such an appeal is with the leave of the court. However, it is not always necessary for the -2- ’s case (supra), the Hon’ble Supreme Court has interpreted Sections 372 and 378(4) of Cr.P.C. and has observed that the victim in a private complaint case has a right to file an appeal, under Section 372 of Cr.P.C., against the order of acquittal before the Court of Sessions. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has observed as follows: 7.12 The reasons for the above distinction are not far to see and can be elaborated as follows: , the victim of a crime must have an absolute right to efer an appeal which cannot be circumscribed by any condition precedent. In the instant case, a victim under Section 138 of the Act, i.e., a payee or the holder of a cheque is a person who has suffered the impact of the offence committed by a person who is charged of the offence, namely, the accused, whose cheque has , the right of a victim of a crime must be placed on par with the right of an accused who has suffered a conviction, who, as a matter of right can prefer an appeal under Section 374 of the CrPC. A person convicted of a crime has the right to prefer an appeal under Section 374 as a matter of right and not being subjected to any conditions. Similarly, a victim of a crime, whatever be the nature of the crime, unconditionally must have a , it is for this reason that the Parliament thought it fit to insert the proviso to sub-section 372 without mandating any condition precedent to be fulfilled by the victim of an offence, lso includes the legal representatives of a deceased victim who can prefer an appeal. On the contrary, as against an order of acquittal, the State, through the Public Prosecutor can prefer an appeal even if the complainant does not hough of course such an appeal is with the leave of the court. However, it is not always necessary for the ’s case (supra), the Hon’ble Supreme Court has interpreted Sections 372 and 378(4) of Cr.P.C. and has observed that the victim in a private complaint case has a right to file an appeal, under of acquittal before the Court of 7.12 The reasons for the above distinction are not far to see and , the victim of a crime must have an absolute right to efer an appeal which cannot be circumscribed by any condition precedent. In the instant case, a victim under Section 138 of the Act, i.e., a payee or the holder of a cheque is a person who has suffered the impact of the offence committed by a person who is charged of the offence, namely, the accused, whose cheque has , the right of a victim of a crime must be placed on par with the right of an accused who has suffered a conviction, who, der Section 374 of the CrPC. A person convicted of a crime has the right to prefer an appeal under Section 374 as a matter of right and not being subjected to any conditions. Similarly, a victim of a crime, lly must have a , it is for this reason that the Parliament thought it fit to section 372 without mandating any condition precedent to be fulfilled by the victim of an offence, lso includes the legal representatives of a deceased victim who can prefer an appeal. On the contrary, as against an order of acquittal, the State, through the Public Prosecutor can prefer an appeal even if the complainant does not hough of course such an appeal is with the leave of the court. However, it is not always necessary for the MOHAMMAD WASEEM ANSARI 2025.08.12 19:14 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-A-370-2022 (O&M) 2022 (O&M) State or a complainant to prefer an appeal. But when it comes to a victim's right to prefer an appeal, the insistence on seeking special leave to appeal from the High Court under Section 378(4) of the CrPC would be contrary to what has been intended by the Parliament by insertion of the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC. Fourthly, the Parliament has not amended Section 378 to circumscribe the victim's right to prefer an appeal just as it has with regard to a complainant or the State filing an appeal. On the other hand, the Parliament has inserted the proviso to Section 372 so as to envisage a superior right for the victim of an offence to prefer an appeal on the grounds mentioned therein as compared to a complainant. Fifthly, the involvement of the State in respect of an offence under Section 138 of the Act is conspicuous by its absence. This is because the complaint filed under that provision is in t nature of a private complaint as per Section 200 of the CrPC and Section 143 of the Act by an express intention incorporates the provisions of the CrPC in the matter of trial of such a deemed offence tried as a criminal offence. Therefore, the complaina who is the victim of a dishonour of cheque must be construed to be victim in terms of the proviso to Section 372 read with the definition of victim under Section 2(wa) of the Cr.P.C. 8. The right to prefer an appeal is no doubt a statutory right and the right to prefer an appeal by an accused against a conviction is not merely a statutory right but can also be construed to be a fundamental right under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. If that is so, then the right of a victim of an offence to pref appeal cannot be equated with the right of the State or the complainant to prefer an appeal. Hence, the statutory rigours for filing of an appeal by the State or by a complainant against an order of acquittal cannot be read into the proviso to Sectio of the CrPC so as to restrict the right of a victim to file an appeal on the grounds mentioned therein, when none exists. -3- State or a complainant to prefer an appeal. But when it comes to a victim's right to prefer an appeal, the insistence on seeking eal from the High Court under Section 378(4) of the CrPC would be contrary to what has been intended by the Parliament by insertion of the proviso to Section 372 of the , the Parliament has not amended Section 378 to s right to prefer an appeal just as it has with regard to a complainant or the State filing an appeal. On the other hand, the Parliament has inserted the proviso to Section 372 so as to envisage a superior right for the victim of an offence to peal on the grounds mentioned therein as compared , the involvement of the State in respect of an offence under Section 138 of the Act is conspicuous by its absence. This is because the complaint filed under that provision is in t nature of a private complaint as per Section 200 of the CrPC and Section 143 of the Act by an express intention incorporates the provisions of the CrPC in the matter of trial of such a deemed offence tried as a criminal offence. Therefore, the complaina who is the victim of a dishonour of cheque must be construed to be victim in terms of the proviso to Section 372 read with the definition of victim under Section 2(wa) of the Cr.P.C. The right to prefer an appeal is no doubt a statutory right and e right to prefer an appeal by an accused against a conviction is not merely a statutory right but can also be construed to be a fundamental right under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. If that is so, then the right of a victim of an offence to prefer an appeal cannot be equated with the right of the State or the complainant to prefer an appeal. Hence, the statutory rigours for filing of an appeal by the State or by a complainant against an order of acquittal cannot be read into the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC so as to restrict the right of a victim to file an appeal on the grounds mentioned therein, when none exists. State or a complainant to prefer an appeal. But when it comes to a victim's right to prefer an appeal, the insistence on seeking eal from the High Court under Section 378(4) of the CrPC would be contrary to what has been intended by the Parliament by insertion of the proviso to Section 372 of the , the Parliament has not amended Section 378 to s right to prefer an appeal just as it has with regard to a complainant or the State filing an appeal. On the other hand, the Parliament has inserted the proviso to Section 372 so as to envisage a superior right for the victim of an offence to peal on the grounds mentioned therein as compared , the involvement of the State in respect of an offence under Section 138 of the Act is conspicuous by its absence. This is because the complaint filed under that provision is in the nature of a private complaint as per Section 200 of the CrPC and Section 143 of the Act by an express intention incorporates the provisions of the CrPC in the matter of trial of such a deemed offence tried as a criminal offence. Therefore, the complainant, who is the victim of a dishonour of cheque must be construed to be victim in terms of the proviso to Section 372 read with the The right to prefer an appeal is no doubt a statutory right and e right to prefer an appeal by an accused against a conviction is not merely a statutory right but can also be construed to be a fundamental right under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. If er an appeal cannot be equated with the right of the State or the complainant to prefer an appeal. Hence, the statutory rigours for filing of an appeal by the State or by a complainant against an n 372 of the CrPC so as to restrict the right of a victim to file an appeal MOHAMMAD WASEEM ANSARI 2025.08.12 19:14 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-A-370-2022 (O&M) 2022 (O&M) 9. In the circumstances, we find that Section 138 of the Act being in the nature of a penal provision by a deeming fiction again accused who is said to have committed an offence under the said 50 provision, if acquitted, can be proceeded against by a victim of the said offence, namely, the person who is entitled to the proceeds of a cheque which has been dishonoured, in terms proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC, as a victim. As already noted, a victim of an offence could also be a complainant. In such a case, an appeal can be preferred either under the proviso to Section 372 or under Section 378 by such a victim. In the absence of the proviso to Section 372, a victim of an offence could not have filed an appeal as such, unless he was also a complainant, in which event he could maintain an appeal if special leave to appeal had been granted by the High Court and if no such special leave was granted then his appeal would not be maintainable at all. On the other hand, if the victim of an offence, who may or may not be the complainant, proceeds under the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC, then in our view, such a victim need not seek special leave to appeal from the High Court. In other words, the victim of an offence would have the right to prefer an appeal, inter alia, against an order of acquittal in terms of the proviso to Section 372 without seeking any special leave to appeal from the High Court only on the grounds mentioned therein. A person who is a complainant under Section 200 of the CrPC who complains about the offence committed by a person who is charged as an accused under Section 138 of the Act, thus has 51 the right to prefer an appeal as a victim under the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC. 10. As already noted, the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC was inserted in the statute book only with effect from 31.12.2009. The object and reason for such insertion must be must be given its full effect to by a court. In view of the aforesaid discussion, we hold that the victim of an offence has the right to prefer an appeal under the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC, -4- In the circumstances, we find that Section 138 of the Act being in the nature of a penal provision by a deeming fiction against an accused who is said to have committed an offence under the said 50 provision, if acquitted, can be proceeded against by a victim of the said offence, namely, the person who is entitled to the proceeds of a cheque which has been dishonoured, in terms of the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC, as a victim. As already noted, a victim of an offence could also be a complainant. In such a case, an appeal can be preferred either under the proviso to Section 372 or under Section 378 by such a victim. In the bsence of the proviso to Section 372, a victim of an offence could not have filed an appeal as such, unless he was also a complainant, in which event he could maintain an appeal if special leave to appeal had been granted by the High Court and if pecial leave was granted then his appeal would not be maintainable at all. On the other hand, if the victim of an offence, who may or may not be the complainant, proceeds under the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC, then in our view, such a t seek special leave to appeal from the High Court. In other words, the victim of an offence would have the right to prefer an appeal, inter alia, against an order of acquittal in terms of the proviso to Section 372 without seeking any special leave to eal from the High Court only on the grounds mentioned therein. A person who is a complainant under Section 200 of the CrPC who complains about the offence committed by a person who is charged as an accused under Section 138 of the Act, thus t to prefer an appeal as a victim under the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC. As already noted, the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC was inserted in the statute book only with effect from 31.12.2009. The object and reason for such insertion must be realised and must be given its full effect to by a court. In view of the aforesaid discussion, we hold that the victim of an offence has the right to prefer an appeal under the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC, In the circumstances, we find that Section 138 of the Act being st an accused who is said to have committed an offence under the said 50 provision, if acquitted, can be proceeded against by a victim of the said offence, namely, the person who is entitled to the of the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC, as a victim. As already noted, a victim of an offence could also be a complainant. In such a case, an appeal can be preferred either under the proviso to Section 372 or under Section 378 by such a victim. In the bsence of the proviso to Section 372, a victim of an offence could not have filed an appeal as such, unless he was also a complainant, in which event he could maintain an appeal if special leave to appeal had been granted by the High Court and if pecial leave was granted then his appeal would not be maintainable at all. On the other hand, if the victim of an offence, who may or may not be the complainant, proceeds under the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC, then in our view, such a t seek special leave to appeal from the High Court. In other words, the victim of an offence would have the right to prefer an appeal, inter alia, against an order of acquittal in terms of the proviso to Section 372 without seeking any special leave to eal from the High Court only on the grounds mentioned therein. A person who is a complainant under Section 200 of the CrPC who complains about the offence committed by a person who is charged as an accused under Section 138 of the Act, thus t to prefer an appeal as a victim under the proviso As already noted, the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC was inserted in the statute book only with effect from 31.12.2009. realised and must be given its full effect to by a court. In view of the aforesaid discussion, we hold that the victim of an offence has the right to prefer an appeal under the proviso to Section 372 of the CrPC, MOHAMMAD WASEEM ANSARI 2025.08.12 19:14 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-A-370-2022 (O&M) 4. Apex Court, it is clear that an appeal against an order of acquittal in a proceeding under Section 138 of the N. I. Act preferred by the complainant squarely falls within the ambit of proviso to Sec observations have been made by this Court in CRM-A-2700 Pardeep Sharma Kumar vs. Rajende 5. made by Hon’ble Supreme Court in the appeal along with the accompanying application is ordered t the Court of learned Sessions Judge, as having been filed under Section 372 of Cr.P.C. The learned Sessions Judge, Kaithal may entrust the appeal to court of competent jurisdiction for its disposal. 6. Sessions Court concerned to delve into the merits of the appeal as this Court has not gone into the same. 7. inform the 2022 (O&M) irrespective of whether he is a complainan victim of an offence is a complainant, he can still proceed under the proviso to Section 372 and need not advert to sub of Section 378 of the CrPC.” On going through the above mentioned pronouncement of the Apex Court, it is clear that an appeal against an order of acquittal in a proceeding under Section 138 of the N. I. Act preferred by the complainant squarely falls within the ambit of proviso to Sec observations have been made by this Court in 2700-MA-2018 and Ajmer Kundu (deceased) through LRs vs. Pardeep Sharma, CRM-A-481-2022, vide orders dated 02.07.2025 and in Kumar vs. Rajender, CRM-A-826-2025(O&M) In view of the discussion as made above and the observations made by Hon’ble Supreme Court in M/s. Celestium Financial the appeal along with the accompanying application is ordered t the Court of learned Sessions Judge, Kaithal as having been filed under Section 372 of Cr.P.C. The learned Sessions Judge, may entrust the appeal to himself/ t of competent jurisdiction for its disposal. Needless to clarify that it is left open for the consideration of the Sessions Court concerned to delve into the merits of the appeal as this Court has not gone into the same. Learned counsel for the applicant, present in Court, is directed to inform the applicant for appearance before the Sessions Court, -5- irrespective of whether he is a complainant or not. Even if the victim of an offence is a complainant, he can still proceed under the proviso to Section 372 and need not advert to sub-section (4) of Section 378 of the CrPC.” On going through the above mentioned pronouncement of the Apex Court, it is clear that an appeal against an order of acquittal in a proceeding under Section 138 of the N. I. Act preferred by the complainant squarely falls within the ambit of proviso to Section 372 of Cr.P.C. Similar observations have been made by this Court in Satish Kumar vs. Jugal Kishore Ajmer Kundu (deceased) through LRs vs. , vide orders dated 02.07.2025 and in 2025(O&M) vide order dated 07.07.2025. In view of the discussion as made above and the observations M/s. Celestium Financial’s case (supra), the appeal along with the accompanying application is ordered to be remitted to Kaithal with a direction to treat the same as having been filed under Section 372 of Cr.P.C. The learned Sessions Judge, himself/herself or assign it to some other t of competent jurisdiction for its disposal. Needless to clarify that it is left open for the consideration of the Sessions Court concerned to delve into the merits of the appeal as this Court applicant, present in Court, is directed to for appearance before the Sessions Court, Kaithal. t or not. Even if the victim of an offence is a complainant, he can still proceed under section (4) On going through the above mentioned pronouncement of the Apex Court, it is clear that an appeal against an order of acquittal in a proceeding under Section 138 of the N. I. Act preferred by the complainant tion 372 of Cr.P.C. Similar Satish Kumar vs. Jugal Kishore, Ajmer Kundu (deceased) through LRs vs. , vide orders dated 02.07.2025 and in Raj vide order dated 07.07.2025. In view of the discussion as made above and the observations ’s case (supra), o be remitted to with a direction to treat the same as having been filed under Section 372 of Cr.P.C. The learned Sessions Judge, herself or assign it to some other Needless to clarify that it is left open for the consideration of the Sessions Court concerned to delve into the merits of the appeal as this Court applicant, present in Court, is directed to . The MOHAMMAD WASEEM ANSARI 2025.08.12 19:14 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-A-370-2022 (O&M) applicant is directed to through its authorized person 8. record of the case to learned Sessions Judge, 9. 12.08.2025 Waseem Ansari Whether speaking/reasoned Whether reportable 2022 (O&M) applicant is directed to appear before the learned Sessions Judge, through its authorized person or its counsel on The Registry is directed to send the complete paper record of the case to learned Sessions Judge, Disposed of. Whether speaking/reasoned Whether reportable -6- appear before the learned Sessions Judge, Kaithal counsel on 05.09.2025. The Registry is directed to send the complete paper-book record of the case to learned Sessions Judge, Kaithal forthwith. (MANISHA BATRA) JUDGE Yes/No Yes/No Kaithal and MOHAMMAD WASEEM ANSARI 2025.08.12 19:14 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document