Crl.O.P.Nos.11153 and 11155 of 2026 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 06.08.2026 CORAM : THE HON’BLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Crl.O.P.Nos.11153 and 11155 of 2026 In Crl.O.P.No.11153 of 2026:- 1. M/s.Costal India Projects Pvt. Limited, Rep by its Managing Director, Sri Abode, 116 & 117, Padma Avenue, Pattamal Road, Velancherry – 603 202. 2. Venkat Ramanujam 3. Sharmila .. Petitioners Versus Irene Manohar .. Respondent In Crl.O.P.No.11155 of 2026:- 1. M/s.Costal India Projects Pvt. Limited, Rep by its Managing Director, Sri Abode, 116 & 117, Padma Avenue, Pattamal Road, Velancherry – 603 202. 2. Venkat Ramanujam 3. Sharmila .. Petitioners Versus 1/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.O.P.Nos.11153 and 11155 of 2026 M/s.Rich Source International Rep by its Proprietrix Irene Manohar .. Respondent Prayer in Crl.O.P.No.11153 of 2026 : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 528 of B.N.S.S, to set aside the condition order passed by the IV Additional Sessions City Civil Court at Chennai in Crl.M.P.No.2804 of 2026 in Crl.A.No.396 of 2026, dated 23.03.2026 directing the petitioners to deposit 20% of the compensation amount before the Trial Court at the credit of C.C.No.2540 of 2018 within 60 days from the date of the order. Prayer in Crl.O.P.No.11155 of 2026 : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 528 of B.N.S.S, to set aside the condition order passed by the IV Additional Sessions City Civil Court at Chennai in Crl.M.P.No.2806 of 2026 in Crl.A.No.397 of 2026, dated 23.03.2026 directing the petitioners to deposit 20% of the compensation amount before the Trial Court at the credit of C.C.No.2539 of 2018 within 60 days from the date of the order. For Petitioner : Mr.M.Jaikumar (in both the cases) For Respondent : Mr.Irene Manohar, Party-in-person (in both the cases) 2/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.O.P.Nos.11153 and 11155 of 2026 COMMON ORDER These Criminal Original Petitions are filed to modify the condition imposed by the Appellate Court while entertaining the appeals against conviction for an offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. 2. The learned Counsel for the petitioner would submit that the Appellate Court has directed deposit of 20% of compensation amount which is on the higher side and the petitioner is facing hardship to immediately mobilise the same. 3. The respondent, appearing as party-in-person, would submit that the petitioner is well to do and already, 14 years have gone by and is yet to see the colour of the coin. 4. I have considered the rival submissions made on either side. 5. The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in Jamboo Bhandari Vs. M.P. State Industrial Development Corporation Limited and Ors.1, 1 MANU/SC/1005/2023 3/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.O.P.Nos.11153 and 11155 of 2026 held that even though 20% is made as a statutory guidance, in an appropriate case, the Court can also exercise its discretion. 6. Considering the hardship that is pleaded, the condition imposed by the learned IV Additional Sessions City Civil Court, Chennai in the order, dated 23.03.2026 in Crl.M.P.No.2804 of 2026 in Crl.A.No.396 of 2026 and Crl.M.P.No.2806 of 2026 in Crl.A.No.397 of 2026 is modified to the effect that the petitioner shall deposit 10% of the compensation amount before the Trial Court to the credit of C.C.No.2540 of 2018 and C.C.No.2539 of 2018 respectively, within a period of three weeks from the date of receipt of a web-copy of this order. No further extension of time will be granted. The Trial Court shall also endeavour to complete the appeals itself within a period of three months from today (i.e., 06.08.2026). Both parties shall co-operate for the early completion of the appeal. 7. Accordingly, these Criminal Original Petitions are disposed of. 06.08.2026 Neutral Citation : no grs 4/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.O.P.Nos.11153 and 11155 of 2026 To The IV Additional Sessions City Civil Court, Chennai. 5/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.O.P.Nos.11153 and 11155 of 2026 D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J. grs Crl.O.P.Nos.11153 and 11155 of 2026 06.08.2026 6/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis