CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page1 of 17 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 21-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SHAMIM AHMED CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 S.P.Maharajan S/o.Pandiyaraj, Shifa Leather and Salt Merchant, No.19, Trust Square Street, Ayanavaram, Chennai - 600 023. ..Petitioner(s) Vs M.Masilamani S/o.Muthukaruppan, No.16/27, Vadivudaiamman Street, Lakshmiamman Nagar, Erukkancherry, Kodungaiyur Post, Chennai - 600 118. ..Respondent(s) Criminal Revision Petition is filed under Section 438 r/w 442 of BNSS, 2023 to set aside the order passed by the Hon’ble XV Additional District Judge, City Civil Court at Chennai dated 13.03.2025 in C.A.No.114/2024 and confirming the conviction and sentence passed by the trial court Metropolitan Magistrate, Fas Track Court No.1 at Allikulam Egmore, Chennai in STC.No.5616/2022 on 23.01.2024 for the offence punishable under sec.138 of the N.I.Act accused is sentenced to one year simple imprisonment and pass such further orders. For Petitioner(s): Mr. K.M.Balaji For Respondent(s): Mr.R.Rajesh https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page2 of 17 ORDER Heard Mr.K.M.Balaji, learned counsel appearing for the Petitioner and Mr.R.Rajesh, learned counsel for the Respondent. 2. This Criminal Revision Petition has been filed by the petitioner to set aside the order passed by the Hon’ble XV Additional District Judge, City Civil Court at Chennai dated 13.03.2025 in C.A.No.114/2024 and confirming the conviction and sentence passed by the trial court Metropolitan Magistrate, Fas Track Court No.1 at Allikulam Egmore, Chennai in STC.No.5616/2022 on 23.01.2024 for the offence punishable under sec.138 of the N.I.Act accused is sentenced to one year 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 Metropolitan Magistrate made in STC. No.5616 of 2022 by the judgment dated 23.01.2024, to undergo simple imprisonment for one year with fine of double the cheque amount as contemplated under Section 138 of NI Act in default of payment of the said amount, to undergo further period of simple imprisonment for three months. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page3 of 17 Aggrieved by the order of the Trial Court, the Petitioner filed a Criminal Appeal in C.A.No.114 of 2024 before the learned XV-Additional District and Sessions Judge, City Civil Court, Chennai. b) The learned XV-Additional District and Sessions Judge, City Civil Court, Chennai confirming the judgment passed by the Metropolitan Magistrate in STC. No.5616 of 2022 dated 23.01.2024, dismissed the said Appeal vide order dated 13.03.2025. Aggrieved by the same, the present Criminal Revision Petition has been filed. 4. Today, when the matter is being taken up, the petitioner viz., S.P.Maharajan and the respondent viz., M.Masilamani, have entered into a Memorandum of Compromise dated 26.02.2026, 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: “3. The petitioner submit that during the pendency of criminal revision pending before this Hon’ble Court, the petitioner approached the respondent for compromise as out of Court settlement and the same has been agreed by the respondent and agreed for the cheque amount of Rs.2,00,000/- as per the settlement. The petitioner a sum of Rs.1,20,000/- settled by way of DD No.130202 dated 07.04.2025 and the original deposit receipt No.05605 dated 12.04.2024 for a sum of Rs.80,000/- to the respondent on 07.04.2025. The petitioner has no https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page4 of 17 objection taking the deposit amount Rs.80,000/- to the credit of FTC-1 Metropolitan Magistrate Allikulam, Egmore, Chennai-8. ‘’ 5. Learned counsel for the Revision Petitioner submits that both the parties, who have entered into a Joint Memorandum of Compromise dated 26.02.2026, are present before this Court, to the effect that the Criminal Revision case shall be settled in accordance with the terms and conditions as contained therein. 6. Learned Counsel for the Revision Petitioner prays this Court that, the has entered into a Joint Memorandum of Compromise with the respondent on 26.02.2026, the Revision Petitioner may be released from jail without imposing any condition. 7. The 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 02.06.2026 before this Court and on the basis of change in circumstances, as the parties have entered into Memorandum of https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page5 of 17 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 Instruments 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 and 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 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page6 of 17 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 compounding 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 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page7 of 17 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 such 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. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page8 of 17 (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 case 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 amount of the cheque, the financial capacity and the conduct of the accused or any other circumstances'. 11. Learned counsel for the Revision Petitioner further relied upon the judgment of Gujarat High Court in the case of Kripal Singh Pratap Singh Ori https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page9 of 17 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." 12. 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 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page10 of 17 acquittal. The order of conviction and sentence recorded by all courts is set aside and he is acquitted of the charge levelled against him." 13. 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. Learned Counsel for the Revision Petitioner further 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. 15. I have heard the learned counsel for the Revision Petitioner, learned counsel for the Respondent and perused the materials placed on record. 16. Considering the facts as narrated above, the following question arose for consideration. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page11 of 17 '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'. 17. 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 two 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 subsection (5) of section 3 or section 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023), may be compounded in like manner. (4)(a) When the person who would otherwise be https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page12 of 17 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. (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 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page13 of 17 contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), every offence punishable under this Act shall be compoundable. 18. 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. 19. 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. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page14 of 17 20. I have considered the judgments cited by the learned counsel for the Revision Petitioner as well as by the learned Counsel for the respondent 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. 21. 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 made 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. 22. 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 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page15 of 17 offence as required to be permitted. 23. Accordingly, the present Criminal Revision Case is allowed in terms of Memorandum of Compromise arrived at between the parties to this litigation out of Court. The impugned judgment passed by the Hon’ble XV Additional District Judge, City Civil Court at Chennai dated 13.03.2025 in C.A.No.114/2024 and confirming the conviction and sentence passed by the trial court Metropolitan Magistrate, Fas Track Court No.1 at Allikulam Egmore, Chennai in STC.No.5616/2022 on 23.01.2024 is modified. The conviction and sentence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act in STC. No.5616 of 2022 dated 23.01.2024 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. 24. In the result, ● The Criminal Revision Case is allowed of in terms of Joint Memorandum of Compromise dated 26.02.2026. ● The impugned conviction and sentence passed by the Hon’ble XV Additional District Judge, City Civil Court at Chennai dated 13.03.2025 in C.A.No.114/2024 and confirming the conviction and sentence passed by the trial court Metropolitan Magistrate, Fas Track Court No.1 at Allikulam Egmore, Chennai in STC.No.5616/2022 on 23.01.2024 are hereby modified. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page16 of 17 ● 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. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 21-07-2026 rli To 1. The XV Additional District Judge, City Civil Court at Chennai. 2. The Metropolitan Magistrate, Fas Track Court No.1 Allikulam Egmore, Chennai https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 __________ Page17 of 17 SHAMIM AHMED, J. rli CRL RC No. 932 of 2025 21-07-2026 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis