HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH **** 248 CRM-A-707-MA-2016 (O&M) Decided on 17.07.2025 **** Ravi Kaushik @ Ravi Kumar ... Applicant(s) VS. Raj Kumar ... Respondent(s) **** CORAM: HON’BLE MR.JUSTICE SANDEEP MOUDGIL **** Present: Mr. Rajesh Lamba, Advocate and Mr. Rahul Gugnani, Advocate for the applicant(s) Mr. Amit Jain, Advocate for the respondent(s) **** Sandeep Moudgil, J. 1. The present application has been preferred under Section 378(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (hereinafter ‘CR.P.C.’) seeking grant of leave to appeal the judgment of acquittal dated 09.02.2016 passed by the learned JMIC, Sonepat in a case stemming from complaint dated 02.12.2015 filed under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (hereinafter ‘NI Act’). 2. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in M/s Celestium Financial vs. A. Gnanasekaran Etc., 2025(3) RCR (Criminal) 208, after considerable discussion and comparative interpretation of Sections 372 and 378(4) of Cr.P.C., concluded that the victim has a right to file an appeal under Section 372 of Cr.P.C. before the Court of Sessions. 3. Therefore, in view of the judgment rendered by the Apex Court in Celestium Financial (supra), the present application seeking leave to appeal is remanded back to the learned Sessions Judge, Sonepat with a direction to treat V VISHAL SHONKAR 2025.07.23 10:04 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document 248-CRM-A-707-MA-2016 2 the same as filed under Section 372 of the Cr.P.C. and entrust it to appropriate Court for its disposal. 4. The Registry is directed to send the complete paper-book and the record of the case to the learned Sessions Judge, Sonepat forthwith. 5. Disposed of accordingly. 6. Pending miscellaneous applications, if any, also stand disposed of. 17.07.2025 V.Vishal (Sandeep Moudgil) Judge Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether reportable : Yes/No V VISHAL SHONKAR 2025.07.23 10:04 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document