In another decision of the
Allahabad High Court placed into service by the learned counsel for the
respondents in the case of Sardar Jaspal Singh Vs. State (Supra), it
was observed that in cases of private complaints, Magistrate should not
take opposite parties (accused) in custody under Section 309 (2), but,
should, in all cases where the parties concerned voluntarily appear, to
resort to Section 88 of Cr.P.C and require the parties concerned only to
furnish bonds with or without securities, for appearance or future dates
and where the opposite party of a complaint case resides at along
distance as in this case, the Magistrate should exempt personal
attendance of the opposite party of the complaint case and allow them to
appear through counsel under Section 205 of Cr.P.C.
17 In the light of the aforesaid discussion and the provisions
under Sections 87 and 88 of Cr.P.C., and considering the fact that the
subject proceedings which are arisen out of a private complaint where the
process and the summons has been issued to the accused, I am of the
considered opinion that the orders were not violative of any statutory
provisions of law and that the judicial pronouncement relied upon by the
counsel for the petitioner are not applicable in this case and hence this
petition is required to be dismissed.
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.380 OF 2017
Gurram Narasimhaswami Siddidram Vs Dr.G. Harikishan
CORAM : PRAKASH D. NAIK, J.
PRONOUNCED ON : JUNE 7 2019.
The petitioner has challenged order dated 3rd September,
2016, passed below Bail Application of accused nos.1 to 7 at Exhibit–16 in
CC No.45/SW/2013, granting bail to accused nos.1 to 7. The petitioner
has also challenged order dated 17th September, 2016, passed below bail
application of accused no.8 at Exhibit – 27 in CC No.44/SW/2013, granting
bail to accused no.8 and the order dated 17th September, 2016, passed by
learned Metropolitan Magistrate 61st Court, Kurla, Mumbai, rejecting
application Exhibit – 25 preferred by the petitioner.
2 Petitioner filed a private complaint before the Court of
Metropolitan Magistrate 51st Court at Kurla, Mumbai, alleging offences
under Sections 406, 409, 420, 506, 506 Part-II, 120B of Indian Penal Code
(“IPC”, for short), on 14th March, 2013, Respondent Nos.1 to 3 were
arraigned as accused in the said complaint.
3 Learned Metropolitan Magistrate directed investigation vide
Section 156(3) of Code of Criminal Procedure (“Cr.P.C.”, for short). In
pursuant to that Matunga Police Station registered offence vide
M.E.C.R.No.3 of 2013. According to petitioner during the course of
investigation, there were attempts to threaten the witnesses and
tampering and fabricating evidence. The petitioner filed application dated
30th August, 2013, for issuing necessary directions to the investigating
agency for taking preventive measures to stop accused from tampering
with the witnesses and evidence. Learned Magistrate by order dated 30th
October, 2013, directed concerned investigating officer of Matunga Police
Station to take steps against accused persons for stopping them from
tampering witnesses and evidence. The petitioner contends that the
investigating officer submitted final report on 28th November, 2013,
before the Court for classifying the complaint as “C” Summary. The
petitioner filed his protest petition. The petitioner submitted note of
submissions dated 13th March,2014 and written submissions dated 18th
March,2014 and submitted that the Court may examine all the legal
evidence and pass appropriate orders to issue process against all the
accused and other persons. Learned Magistrate by order dated 2nd April,
2014, directed the complainant to lead evidence of his own or any other
witnesses under Section 200 of Cr.P.C. for taking cognizance.
4 The complainant led evidence and produced documents on
record. The petitioner filed written submission (Exhibit–13) through his
advcoate on 29th June, 2016, contending that process be issued against
accused. The learned Magistrate by order dated 1st July, 2016, issued
process against accused nos.1 to 3 for the offences punishable under
Sections 120-B, 406, 408 of IPC and against L.V. Rao, Siddha Reddy, T.
Bhumeshwar, Potu Rajaram and Gajam Sudarshan, for the offences
punishable under Sections 120-B, 468, 471, 420, 201, 406 and 408 of IPC.
The Court also issued summons to all the accused returnable on 6th
August, 2016.
5 Petitioner contends that in pursuance to the summon issued
by the Court, accused nos.1 to 7 appeared along with their advocate
before the trial Court on 6th August, 2016. The Court was on leave and
hence the case was adjourned to 3rd September, 2016. Accused nos.1 to 7
appeared in person along with their advocate and filed application for bail
at Exhibit–16. Whereas, accused no.8 filed an application seeking his
exemption from personal appearance and sought time to furnish surety
vide Exhibit–14 and also submitted an undertaking to keep accused no.8
present and file his Vakalatnama on the next date (vide Exhibit–15).
Learned counsel for the petitioner urged before the Court to hear him
before passing any order on the bail application of respondents/accused
nos.1 to 7 and sought copy of bail application for filing say of the
petitioner. The Court was pleased to direct counsel for the petitioner to
file an application to that effect and inform him that he had already
decided to pass an order granting bail to respondents/accused nos.1 to 7,
and, there is no provisions to hear the complainant. The Court passed
order granting bail to respondent nos.1 to 7. Thereafter, petitioner filed
an application on 3rd September, 2012, for remanding the accused to
custody vide Exhibit – 25 and to grant hearing on their bail application by
relying upon a note which was already prepared by him for opposing bail
application and certain authorities referred to therein. It is contended
that the Court took the said application on record and directed that the
copy be furnished to the accused. Petitioner's counsel pleaded that since
the copy of bail application was denied to be given to the petitioner, the
copy and the petitioner's application need not be given to the respondents
advocate for obtaining their say. It is contended that the Court proceeded
to direct the advocate for respondents/original accused to furnish his say
and obtain say on the application at Exhibit–25. The Court also directed
the advocate for the petitioner to give say on the exemption application
Exhibit–14, preferred by respondent/accused no.8. The application
Exhibit–25 was heard and it was adjourned to 17th September, 2016, for
orders with liberty to the petitioner's counsel to file further authorities on
the right of the petitioner to be heard on the bail application in case of a
private complaint. It is further contended that respondent no.8 appeared
in Court on 17th September, 2016, and preferred bail application Exhibit–
27, which was granted by the Court without hearing the petitioner or
learned APP. On 17th September, 2016, after hearing the further
submissions of the petitioner on application Exhibit–25, and taking on
record further written submissions and authorities in support of his
contention, learned Magistrate rejected application Exhibit–25.
6 Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner contends that
order dated 3rd September, 2016, passed below Exhibit–16 and order
dated 17th September, 2016, passed below Exhibit–27, contravenes
provisions of Section 437 of Cr.P.C. It is contended that first proviso to
Sub-section (1) of Section 437, reads as under:
“ Provided that the Court may direct that a person
referred to in clause (I) or clause (ii) be released on bail
if it is satisfied that it is just and proper so to do for any
other special reasons”. In the present case which
relates to non-bailable offences with punishment upto
seven years. One of the accused is under the age of
sixteen years or is a woman or sick or infirm. The fourth
proviso to sub-section of Section 437(1) reads as under:
“Provided also that no person shall if offence alleged to
have been committed by him is punishable with death,
imprisonment of life or imprisonment for seven years or
more, be released on bail by the Court under this Subsection
without giving an opportunity of hearing to the
public prosecutor.”
The present case relating to non-bailable offences punishable
upto seven years, the Court granted bail without giving any opportunity of
hearing to the public prosecutor or to the complainant. It is submitted
that Sub-section 3 of Section 437, which reads as,
“(3) When a person accused or suspected of the commission
of an offence punishable with imprisonment which may
extend to seven years or more or of an offence under
Chapter VI, Chapter XVI or Chapter XVII or the Indian
Penal Code (45 of 1860) or abetment of, or conspiracy
or attempt to commit, any such offences, is released on
bail under Sub-section (1), the Court shall impose the
conditions, – …........”
It is submitted that this case containing non bailable offences,
punishable upto seven years, the learned Magistrate granted bail to the
accused without imposing any condition. It is further submitted that
there was evidence on record showing that the accused have threatened
witnesses and tampered with the evidence. Hence, the orders granting
bail are in contravention of Section 437 of Cr.P.C.. Section 437(4)
mandates,
“(4) Any officer or a Court releasing any person on bail
under Sub-section (1), or Sub-section (2), shall record in
writing his or its reasons or special reasons for so
doing.”
It is submitted that in this case, learned Magistrate granted
bail to the accused without recording any reason, which is in violation of
the said provision.
7 Learned counsel for the petitioner further submitted that the
Court ought to have called for the say of prosecutor and to offer an
opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, as ge was directed to lead
evidence of his own or any other witness under Section 200 of Cr.P.C., for
taking cognizance and thereby the petitioner has been allowed to conduct
the prosecution and upon hearing the advocate for the petitioner, the
Court had issued process under Section 204 of Cr.P.C., which is in
pursuance of the provisions of Section 302 of Cr.P.C., which enables the
learned Magistrate to permit any person to conduct the prosecution,
personally or through his pleader with a rider that the Magistrate cannot
give such permission to a police officer below the rank of inspector.
Hence, the learned Metropolitan Magistrate ought to have held that in the
present case which is yet to reach the stage of Section 244 of Cr.P.C., and
when the bail application of the accused in non-bailable offence is under
consideration, the fourth proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 437 of
Cr.P.C., which mandates opportunity of hearing to the public prosecutor,
would necessarily mean opportunity of hearing to the complainant and his
advocate, as the learned APP in the present case was not present in the
Court, when the applications were heard. The learned Magistrate ought
to have strictly followed the mandatory statutory provisions of Subsection
(3) and (4) of Section 437 of Cr.P.C., while passing the impugned
order dated 3rd September, 2016. The order dated 17th September, 2016,
passed by the learned Magistrate rejecting petitioner's application for
granting opportunity of being heard is contrary to law.
8 The petitioner has also tendered written submission in
support of the petition. Reference is made to several decisions, which
were relied upon in support of his submission. It is submitted that in
Bimla Devi Vs. State of Bihar1, the Court had disproved the method
and manner in which the Magistrate granted bail to the accused in nonbailable
case. It is submitted that in D.K. Rajepadhare Vs. State of
Maharashtra2 this Court dealt with petition filed by former Joint Civil
Judge and Judicial Magistrate, who had challenged orders passed by the
Government of Maharashtra for compulsorily retiring him after a
disciplinary enquiry and recommendation of the High Court. It is
submitted that while approving the compulsory retirement, this Court has
observed in paragraph 14 of his judgment that as far as Section 437 of
Cr.P.C. is concerned, bail in the non-bailable offences cannot be granted
by a Court other than the High Court or a Court of Sessions. The first
proviso in Section 437(1) is the only provision which contains the
exceptions, namely, that such a Court may grant bail if a person is under
the age of 16 years or is a woman or is sick or infirm. These are the only
grounds which are available. These grounds were not available in the said
case. Said order was passed without jurisdiction. Learned counsel further
submitted that in the case of Hanuman Vishwanath Nehare Vs. State
of Maharashtra & Ors.3. This Court in paragraph no.9 has observed that
the principles relating to cancellation of bail are well settled. If the bail is
granted illegally or by a court having no jurisdiction or the grant of bail
shows arbitrariness in granting the same, such bail can be cancelled.
1 1994 SCC (2) 8
2 2005(4) Mah.L.J. 1067
3 2001 (5) Bom CR 879
Learned counsel further contends that in case of State of Maharashtra
Vs. Khodya Alias Khodidas Sonabhai4, it was observed in paragraph
42 that the provisions contained in Section 437(1), (2) and (5) remain
active and in force all throughout whereby all the considerations for
release of the accused on bail under Sub-section (1) with the prohibition
from such a release as contemplated by the proviso thereto and also the
necessity of cancellation of bail under Sub-section (5) could remain in
existence, and thus those cannot be allowed to be over-shadowed by the
provisions of Section 167(2). In case of Ram Govind Upadhyay Vs.
Sudarshan Singh & Ors.5, the Supreme Court has observed that in case
of Shahzad Hasan Khan Vs. Ishtiaq Hasan Khan & Anr.6, it was
observed that, “Had the Court granted time to the complainant for filing
counter-affidavit correct facts would have been placed before the Court
and it could have been pointed out that apart from the inherent danger of
tampering with or intimidating witnesses and aborting the case.”
Prosecution is entitled to place corrects facts before the Court. In Shahjad
Hasan Khan's case (Supra), it ws also observed that liberty is to be
secured through process of law. One of the salutary principle for granting
bail is that Court should be satisfied that the accused being enlarged on
bail will not be in a position to tamper with the evidence when allegation
of tampering are made, it is the duty of Court to satisfy itself whether
4 1983 (2) Bom CR 100
5 Appeal (Cri.) 381-382 of 2002
6 1987 (2) SCC 684
those allegations have basis (they can seldom be proved by concrete
evidence) and if the allegations are not found tobe concocted, it would not
be a proper exercise of jurisdiction in enlarging the accused on bail.
Learned counsel submitted that the orders passed by the trial Court are
completely contrary to Section 437 of Cr.P.C. and the principles laid down
by the Apex Court in several decisions. Reliance is placed on decision of
Supreme Court in the case of Shivkumar Vs. Hukum Chand and Anr.7
and submitted that, the interpretation of Section 302 of Cr.P.C. has been
ignored by learned Magistrate.
9 Learned counsel for respondent nos.1 to 7 and the advocate
representing respondent no.8 contended that the submissions advanced
by the counsel for the petitioner are devoid of merits. There is no violation
of Section 437 of Cr.P.C. The decisions relied upon by the petitioner are
totally out of context, as the same are not applicable in the present case.
There is no error of law in the impugned orders dated 3rd September,
2016 and 17th September, 2016. It is submitted that the Court was dealing
with the private complaint, in which the process was issued. It is
submitted that it was not necessary to call upon the say of the
complainant or the prosecutor. Learned Magistrate has rightly granted
7 1999 7 SCC 467
bail to the accused and rejected the application preferred by the
complainant vide Exhibit–25 by assigning cogent reasons. It is submitted
in the complaint case where process is issued, the person appearing
before the Court has to be dealt with in accordance with procedure laid
down under Section 88 of Cr.P.C. The practice of moving the application
by surrender, taking the applicant in custody, applying for bail, is contrary
to the said provisions. It is submitted that if the decisions relied upon by
the counsel for the petitioner that the accused was involved in serious
cases, like murder and they were in custody, and, therefore, the question
of applicability of Section 437 of Cr.P.C. had arisen. However, the said
principle cannot be applied to a private complaint, where summons is
issued to the accused for appearance. On remaining present, the accused
are required to execute the bond in accordance with the provisions of law.
Thus, reliance on the decisions put forth by the petitioner was misplaced.
Learned counsel relied upon the decision of the Allahabad High Court
delivered in the case of Vishwa Nath Jiloka & Ors. Vs. Ist Munsif
Lower Criminal Court, Bahraich & Anr.8 and another decision in the
case of Sardar Jaspal Singh Vs. State9.
10 I have perused the documents on record. The petitioner filed a
private complaint before the Court of learned Magistrate. The Court
8 1989 CRI. L.J. 2082
9 1990 0 SCC (ALL) 450
directed investigation in accordance with Section 156(3) of Cr.P.C.
Investigating machinery submitted report for applying “C” summary to
the proceedings. The petitioner has alleged that the accused have
committed offences under Section 120-B, 406, 408, 420, 506 and 506 Part
II of IPC. The petitioner filed protest petition. Note of submission and
written submissions were tendered and prayed for issuance of process.
Learned Magistrate by order dated 2nd April, 2014, directed the
complainant to lead evidence under Section 200 of Cr.P.C. evidence was
led. Petitioner tendered written submission dated 29th June, 2016, it was
prayed that process be issued against the accused. Learned Magistrate
by order dated 1st July, 2016, issued process by rejecting “C” summary
report. Trial Court directed issuance of process under Sections 120-B,
406 and 408 of IPC against accused nos.1 to 3 (respondent nos.1 to 3) and
also directed that process be issued for the offences punishable under
Section 120-B, 201, 406 and 408 of IPC against respondent nos.4 to 8. It
is pertinent to note that the said private complaint was filed against
respondent nos. 1 to 3. The respondent nos.1 to 3 appeared before the
trial Court. On behalf of respondent no.8, an application was preferred for
exemption. Respondent nos. 1 to 7 preferred an application for bail.
Learned Magistrate by order dated 3rd September, 2016, granted bail to
the said accused. Respondent no.8 was granted bail on 17th September,
2016. Order dated 3rd September, 2016, reads as follows:
“Perused the application. Heard the learned advocate for the
accused. Accused are appearing on today. They are ready and
willing to furnish bail. Hence, the accused be released on bail
on executing P.R.Bond of Rs.10,000/-, each and to furnish
surety in the like amount.”
Similar order was also passed on 17th September, 2016,
granting bail to accused no.8. The respondents while preferring the
application Exhibit–16 and Exhibit–27 had stated that the process was
issued against the accused for their appearance before the Court. They
may be granted bail, as they have permanent place of residence in
Mumbai, and the documents are annexed along with the application. They
are ready to attend the Court as and when required to face the trial. All
the offences are triable by the said Court, they have clear record.
11 Petitioner preferred application Exhibit–25 on 3rd September,
2016. In the said application, it was stated that the Court had issued
process against the accused. Without affording opportunity to the counsel
appearing for the complainant of being heard, the Court had granted bail
to the accused. The Court also directed the petitioner to file an
application on that day itself when it was requested that the procedure
laid down under Section 437 of Cr.P.C may be followed. It was submitted
that the offences are non-bailable and Section 437 of Cr.P.C. places
restriction upon learned Magistrate while considering bail application for
non-bailable offences. When there is evidence on record that the accused
are jointly and severally threatened the witnesses and tampered with the
evidence and fabricated false evidence during investigation, law laid
down by the Supreme Court as presented in the “Note”, is required to be
taken into consideration and to send the accused to judicial custody and
to consider the bail application upon hearing both the sides. On perusal of
the said application, it is apparent that the learned Magistrate had
granted bail to respondent nos.1 to 7 on 3rd September, 2016 and on the
same day, the application was preferred for sending the accused for
judicial custody. The accused had filed their say to application Exhibit – 25
that the application is not maintainable in law and deserves to be
dismissed. The judgment annexed along with the application are not
applicable. Therefore, the application be rejected. The learned Magistrate
by order dated 17th September, 2016, rejected the said application. The
Court took into consideration the judgments relied upon by the counsel
for the petitioner and considering the principle laid down in the said
decisions, it was observed that the present complaint is filed for the
offences punishable under Sections 120-B, 406, 409, 420, 506 and 506
Part II of IPC. The Court was pleased to call for report under section
156(3) of Cr.P.C. Police filed “C” summary report. The court took
cognizance of the complaint. Process was issued. Summons were issued
to the accused. No warrant was issued against the accused. As the
accused appeared on summons and were ready and willing to furnish bail,
bail was granted to them. In the rulings relied upon by the petitioner, the
cases were instituted on a police report. There was no private complaint.
There is no provisions in the Code of Criminal Procedure to obtain say of
the complainant on bail application of the accused. Therefore, it was not
necessary for the Court to obtain say of the complainant, and, therefore,
the say was not obtained. The Court released the accused on bail as they
appeared before the Court on a summons. No warrant was issued against
them. Thus, the Court has not committed any illegality. Hence, the
application was rejected.
12 On scrutiny of documents, the impugned orders dated 3rd
September, 2016, the reasons assigned by the trial Court in the order
dated 17th September, 2016, the principle enunciated in several decisions
placed for consideration by the counsel for the petitioner and the counsel
for respondents, the effect of Section 437 of Cr.P.C., principles relating to
cancellation of bail, I am of the opinion that there is no infirmity in the
impugned orders passed by the Court below.
13 As stated above, private complaint was filed. Trial Court
rejected the summary report and directed the complainant to lead
evidence. After examining the witnesses on oath, the learned Magistrate
took cognizance of the complaint under Section 204 of Cr.P.C. Chapter
XVI of Cr.P.C. relates to commencement of proceedings before Magistrate.
The order issuing process in the present case indicate issuance of
summons to the accused. Section 204 of Cr.P.C. stipulates that if in the
opinion of the Magistrate taking cognizance of an offence, there is
sufficient ground for proceedings, and the case appears to be a summons
case, he shall issue his summons for attendance of the accused or if it is a
warrant case, he may issue a warrant or, if he thinks fit, a summons for
causing the accused to be brought or to appear at a certain time before
the Court. In pursuant to the order issuing summons, respondent nos.1 to
7 appeared before the Court on 3rd September, 2016. Respondent no.8
preferred an application for exemption. He appeared before the Court on
17th September, 2016. The complainant was represented by his advocate.
His grievance is that he was not heard before passing order granting bail
and that the statutory provisions of Section 437 of Cr.P.C. has not be
complied by the trial Court. His application for sending the accused to
custody has been erroneously rejected by the Court. It is pertinent to note
that the complainant and his advocate were present in Court on 3rd
September, 2016 and on the same day application Exhibit – 25 was
preferred. There was no provision in law for entertaining application
Exhibit–25. The court took cognizance of the complaint and issued a
process under Section 204 of Cr.P.C. The summons was served upon the
accused. They appeared before the Court and showed their willingness to
execute bail bond for their appearances. It is pertinent to note that
summons were issued for their appearance before the Court. While
preferring an application for bail, the grounds raised therein enumerated
their availability and willingness to execute the bail bond. In the
circumstances, I do not find any illegality of the order passed by learned
Magistrate granting bail and order rejecting application Exhibit – 25. No
case of cancellation of bail granted to the accused is made out. The
judicial pronouncement relied upon by the counsel for the petitioner are
not applicable in those cases. There is no dispute about the principles to
be followed in consonance with Section 437 of Cr.P.C. and the limitation
for granting bail by the learned Magistrate. In the case of Bimla Devi
(Supra), the accused was prosecuted for an offence under Section 302
read with 34 of IPC. Two earlier applications for bail preferred by the
accused were successively rejected by the High Court. The Judicial
Magistrate granted bail to the accused. Subsequently, the Magistrate
cancelled the bail. The Court, therefore, depricated the approach of the
trial Court by observing that the course adopted by the learned
Magistrate is not only contrary to the settled principles of judicial
discipline or propriety, but also contrary to the statutory provisions. In the
decision delivered by this court in case of D.K. Rajepandhare (Supra).
The accused were charged for offences under Sections 302, 498-A of IPC.
One of them, who was mother-in-law of deceased applied for bail before
Judicial Magistrate. Bail was granted by the Court on the ground that she
was an old lady. The other accused, who was the husband of deceased
preferred bail application before Sessions Court, which was rejected. He
preferred second application before Sessions Court. During pendency of
the application, the said accused preferred application for bail before
aforesaid Magistrate, and the application before Sessions Court was
withdrawn. The Magistrate granted bail in the ground that the alleged
offences are triable by Court of Sessions, but, that does not mean
unnecessarily the accused should be detained in jail. In these
circumstances, it was observed that as far as Section 437 of Cr.P.C. is
concerned, bail in the non-bailable offences cannot be granted by a Court
other than the High Court or a Court of Sessions. The first proviso in
Section 437(1) is the only provision which contains the exceptions,
namely, that such a Court may grant bail if a person is under the age of 16
years or is a woman or is sick or infirm. These are the only grounds which
are available. None of the grounds were made out in this case and at the
Court who did not have jurisdiction to grant bail, had granted bail, is
clearly outside his jurisdiction. In the case of Hanuman Vishwanath
Nehare Vs. State of Maharashtra & Ors. (Supra), the applicant
sought cancellation of time granted by the Judicial Magistrate First Class
to the respondents–accused. The respondents – accused were arrested in
connection with attempt to commit murder under section 307 of IPC. They
were ordered to be released on bail even though APP was not available in
the Court. The victim died subsequently and Section 302 of IPC was
attracted. Charge–sheet was filed under Section 302 of IPC. In paragraph
9 of the said decision, this Court has observed that the principles relating
to cancellation of bail are now well settled. If the bail is granted illegally
or by a Court having no jurisdiction or grant of bail shows arbitrariness in
granting the same, such bail can be cancelled. In Shiv Kumar Vs.
Hukam Chand & Anr.10, appellant was aggrieved because counsel
appointed by him was not allowed to conduct prosecution inspite of
obtaining a consent from the public prosecutor. The Court considered the
effect of Section 302 of Cr.P.C., which relates to permission to conduct
prosecution was initiated on a private complaint, hearing ought to have
been given to him. In the present case, trial Court has dealt with the said
contention and the prayer for sending the accused in judicial custody and
rejected the application for the reasons stated therein. In the case of
State of Maharashtra Vs. Khodya Alias Khodidas Sonabhai (Supra),
Court had considered the powers to grant bail under Section 167(2) of
Cr.P.C. and provisions of Section 437(1), (2), (5) of Cr.P.C. In case of Ram
10 (1999) 7 SCC 467
Govind Upadhyay Vs. Sudarshan Singh & Ors.(Supra), Supreme
Court has observed that while liberty of an individual is precious and
there should always be an all round effort on the part of Law Courts to
protect such liberties of individuals but this protection can be made
available to the deserving persons only. The Court cancelled bail granted
to accused by High Court. The facts of the case would indicate that FIR
was lodged for offence under Section302 of IPC. Witnesses were
threatened and assaulted. FIR was lodged under Sections 323 and 504 of
IPC. High Court granted bail. Application for cancellation of bail was
rejected, hence, appeal was preferred before Supreme Court. In the case
of Shahzad Hasan Khan Vs. Ishtiaq Hasan Khan & Anr. (Supra), bail
was granted by High Court in peculiar facts of the case ont eh ground
that trial could not be commenced and concluded or directed by Court.
Time was sought by complainant to place the facts before Court by filing
counter affidavit. Prayer was rejected. The accused had obtained
adjournments before trial Court. In these circumstances, it was observed
that Court ought to have granted time to the complainant for filing
affidavit. The Hon'ble Supreme Court cancelled bail granted by High
Court. The petitioner had contended that the trial Court had directed that
appropriate action be initiated about tampering of witnesses. Stopping
them from tampering witnesses and evidence. The said order was passed
on 30th October, 2013. The report seeking classification of the complaint
as “C” Summary was submitted on 28th November, 2013. Thereafter, the
evidence was adduced and the process was issued. The ratio laid down in
the decisions referred to hereinabove, was in the context of the factual
matrix of the said cases, where the accused were arrested for heinous
crimes and they were in custody and bail was granted. The petitioner
contends that the offences for which process was issued contain nonbailable
offences and, therefore, Section 437 would be applicable. In the
factual aspects of the present case, the submissions cannot be accepted.
14 In the case of Vishwa Nath Jiloka & Ors. Vs. Ist Munsif
Lower Criminal Court, Bahraich & Anr. (Supra), the Allahabad High
Court has dealt with the situation wherein the Court has considered the
provisions of Section 88 of Cr.P.C. In the said case, the opposite party filed
a criminal complaint for the offences punishable under Sections 420 and
406 of IPC. Statement was recorded under Section 200 of Cr.P.C. and 202
of Cr.P.C. Learned Magistrate found prima facie case under Section 420 of
IPC and summons was issued to the accused for their appearance before
the Court. One of the petitioner was served with Non-bailable Warrant
and he was arrested. He was granted bail by the trial Court. Other
accused did not surrender. It was contended that one of the accused was
arrested and they apprehended similar humiliation and harassment. The
Court referred to Section 204 of Cr.P.C. and observed that, “It is evident
from Clauses (a) and (b) of sub-Section (1) that a summons or warrant to
the opposite party or the accused of a complaint case is issued only for his
attendance before the Magistrate or for him being brought or to appear
before the Magistrate. Even if warrant is issued to the accused or
opposite party in a complaint case, it is not a direction for investigation
and so the Magistrate cannot grant judicial remand under Section 167 of
Cr.P.C. All that the accused or the opposite party of a complaint case has
to do in response of a summon or a warrant issued, under Section 204, is
to attend the Court of the Magistrate or to appear before him. It was
further observed that it is evident from Clause (b) of Sub-section (1) that
before issuing a warrant in a complaint case, which may be warrant case,
a Magistrate himself should pause and think if the issue of summons
should be more reasonable. The Magistrate should note that issue of
warrant in a complaint case is to be governed by Sub-section (5) of
Section 204 of Cr.P.C. and for that there must be compliance of section 87
of Cr.P.C. When contingency for issuing a warrant as laid down in Section
87 has not arisen, the Magistrate should invariably think of issuing
summons. While issuing summons, the Magistrate should bear in mind
Section 205 of Cr.P.C., which empowers the Magistrate to dispense with
the personal attendance of the accused and to permit him to appear by his
pleader. The Magistrate may at any stage of the proceedings, even
though he has earlier exempted personal attendance of the accused,
order the accused to be personally present. Where the accused in a
complaint case are of different districts or State, the Magistrate should
invariably issue a summons to the accused dispensing his personal
attendance and permitting him to appear through pleader. This will
automatically minimize mischievous and vexatious complaints simplified
for causing harassment and humiliation to the accused. Even when the
personal attendance of the accused in a criminal case has not been
exempted or when a warrant is issued to the accused in a complaint case
under Section 204(1)(b) and the accused after being served with
summons or warrant or having come to know of the same appears before
the Magistrate, it is not at all legal for the Magistrate to take him into
custody and then grant judicial remand necessitating a bail application
and a bail order under Section 437 of Cr.P.C., when a person appears or is
brought before a Magistrate or court in response of summons or warrant,
the proper procedure to be followed is laid down in Section 88 of Cr.P.C.
In case of breach of bonds furnished under Section 88 of Cr.P.C., action
can be taken for enforcing the bonds and further for arrest under Section
89 of Cr.P.C. It would be relevant to quote observations in the said
decision in paragraph 11 of the said decision, which reads as follows:
“11 It is thus obvious that practice followed in the courts of
Magistrate by even some members of the bar, namely,
moving an application for surrender of the accused in a
complaint case and then after the accused is taken in the
custody applying for bail is contrary to provisions of Cr.
P.C. and is altogether unwarranted. It should be
immediately given up and the accused of the complaint
cases should be assured that they will be honourably
dealt with in the courts of the Magistrates. In complaint
cases when the accused appear before the Magistrate in
response to summonses or warrants, the Magistrates
should themselves note the appearance of the accused in
the proceeding and should thereafter pass appropriate
order for bonds with or without sureties as required
under Section 88 Cr. P.C. If members of the bar want to
place on the record that certain accused of (Sic)
adjournment of the enquiry or trial should be only for
reasons to be recorded; remand under this sub-section
should not exceed 15 days at a time; when witnesses are
in attendance no adjournment or postponement should
be granted without examining them, except for special
reasons to be recorded in writing and that no
adjournment should be granted for purpose only of
enabling the accused person to show cause against the
sentence proposed to be imposed on him. Then the
explanations of the sub-section make it clear that there
must be reasonable cause for a remand and adjournment
or postponement. If sufficient evidence has been
obtained to raise a suspicion that accused may have
committed an offence, and it appears likely that further
evidence may be obtained by remand, it should, be
treated as reasonable cause for a remand. Terms on
which an adjournment or postponement may be granted
to include, in appropriate cases, payment of costs by the
prosecution or the accused. It is thus obvious that the
Parliament intended that there should be minimum
restriction to the fundamental right of liberty guaranteed
under the Constitution. When an equally efficacious
procedure is available for securing attendance of the
accused in a complaint case, namely, obtaining bond with
or without sureties under Section 88 Cr. P.C., power of
judicial remand under Section 309(2) should not be used,
otherwise there would be unnecessary infringement of
the fundamental right of liberty. Perusal of Section 88,
89 and 309(2) Cr. P.C., however, make it clear that in
cases where accused of complaint case commits default
and absents himself from the court entailing his arrest
on a warrant issue under Section 89 Cr. P.C. and is
unable to offer sufficient cause for his absence, power of
judicial remand under Section 309(2) can be used.”
15 In the present case, as discussed hereinabove, the trial Court
took cognizance of the complaint and issued process. It was also directed
that summons be issued to the respondents – accused. The Court did not
opt for issuance of warrant. In this circumstances the question of taking
the accused into custody or applying rigors of Section 437 does not arise.
The Court was dealing with the private complaint where the process was
issued vide Section 204 of Cr.P.C. Sections 87 and 88 of Cr.P.C. can be
adverted, which reads as follows:
87. Issue of warrant in lieu of, or in addition to, summons. - A
court may, in any case in which it is empowered by this Code
to issue a summons for the appearance of any person, issue,
after recording its reasons in writing, a warrant for his arrest-
(a) if either before the issue of summons, or after the issue of the
same but before time fixed for his appearance, the court sees
reason to believe that he has absconded or will not obey the
summons; or
(b) if, at such time he fails to appear and the summons is
proved to have been duly served in time to admit of
his appearing in accordance therewith and no
reasonable excuse is offered for such failure.
88. Power to take bond for appearance.
When any person for whose appearance or arrest the
officer presiding in any court is empowered to issue a
summons or warrant, is present in such court, such
officer may require such person to execute a bond, with
or without sureties, for his appearance in such court, or
any other court to which the case may be transferred for
trial.”
16 In the circumstances, there is no infirmity in the orders
passed by the trial Court below. No case of setting aside the impugned
order is made out. The reasons assigned by the Court while rejecting
application Exhibit–25 do not call for any interference. The complainant
was present in Court on 3rd September, 2016. He preferred an application
Exhibit-25. There is no illegality in the orders passed by trial Court. The
ratio laid down in the aforesaid decisions delivered by Allahabad High
Court needs to be taken into consideration. In another decision of the
Allahabad High Court placed into service by the learned counsel for the
respondents in the case of Sardar Jaspal Singh Vs. State (Supra), it
was observed that in cases of private complaints, Magistrate should not
take opposite parties (accused) in custody under Section 309 (2), but,
should, in all cases where the parties concerned voluntarily appear, to
resort to Section 88 of Cr.P.C and require the parties concerned only to
furnish bonds with or without securities, for appearance or future dates
and where the opposite party of a complaint case resides at along
distance as in this case, the Magistrate should exempt personal
attendance of the opposite party of the complaint case and allow them to
appear through counsel under Section 205 of Cr.P.C.
17 In the light of the aforesaid discussion and the provisions
under Sections 87 and 88 of Cr.P.C., and considering the fact that the
subject proceedings which are arisen out of a private complaint where the
process and the summons has been issued to the accused, I am of the
considered opinion that the orders were not violative of any statutory
provisions of law and that the judicial pronouncement relied upon by the
counsel for the petitioner are not applicable in this case and hence this
petition is required to be dismissed.
18 Hence, I pass the following order:
:: O R D E R ::
(i) Criminal Writ Petition No.380 of 2017, is dismissed.
(PRAKASH D. NAIK, J.)
Print Page
Allahabad High Court placed into service by the learned counsel for the
respondents in the case of Sardar Jaspal Singh Vs. State (Supra), it
was observed that in cases of private complaints, Magistrate should not
take opposite parties (accused) in custody under Section 309 (2), but,
should, in all cases where the parties concerned voluntarily appear, to
resort to Section 88 of Cr.P.C and require the parties concerned only to
furnish bonds with or without securities, for appearance or future dates
and where the opposite party of a complaint case resides at along
distance as in this case, the Magistrate should exempt personal
attendance of the opposite party of the complaint case and allow them to
appear through counsel under Section 205 of Cr.P.C.
17 In the light of the aforesaid discussion and the provisions
under Sections 87 and 88 of Cr.P.C., and considering the fact that the
subject proceedings which are arisen out of a private complaint where the
process and the summons has been issued to the accused, I am of the
considered opinion that the orders were not violative of any statutory
provisions of law and that the judicial pronouncement relied upon by the
counsel for the petitioner are not applicable in this case and hence this
petition is required to be dismissed.
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.380 OF 2017
Gurram Narasimhaswami Siddidram Vs Dr.G. Harikishan
CORAM : PRAKASH D. NAIK, J.
PRONOUNCED ON : JUNE 7 2019.
The petitioner has challenged order dated 3rd September,
2016, passed below Bail Application of accused nos.1 to 7 at Exhibit–16 in
CC No.45/SW/2013, granting bail to accused nos.1 to 7. The petitioner
has also challenged order dated 17th September, 2016, passed below bail
application of accused no.8 at Exhibit – 27 in CC No.44/SW/2013, granting
bail to accused no.8 and the order dated 17th September, 2016, passed by
learned Metropolitan Magistrate 61st Court, Kurla, Mumbai, rejecting
application Exhibit – 25 preferred by the petitioner.
2 Petitioner filed a private complaint before the Court of
Metropolitan Magistrate 51st Court at Kurla, Mumbai, alleging offences
under Sections 406, 409, 420, 506, 506 Part-II, 120B of Indian Penal Code
(“IPC”, for short), on 14th March, 2013, Respondent Nos.1 to 3 were
arraigned as accused in the said complaint.
3 Learned Metropolitan Magistrate directed investigation vide
Section 156(3) of Code of Criminal Procedure (“Cr.P.C.”, for short). In
pursuant to that Matunga Police Station registered offence vide
M.E.C.R.No.3 of 2013. According to petitioner during the course of
investigation, there were attempts to threaten the witnesses and
tampering and fabricating evidence. The petitioner filed application dated
30th August, 2013, for issuing necessary directions to the investigating
agency for taking preventive measures to stop accused from tampering
with the witnesses and evidence. Learned Magistrate by order dated 30th
October, 2013, directed concerned investigating officer of Matunga Police
Station to take steps against accused persons for stopping them from
tampering witnesses and evidence. The petitioner contends that the
investigating officer submitted final report on 28th November, 2013,
before the Court for classifying the complaint as “C” Summary. The
petitioner filed his protest petition. The petitioner submitted note of
submissions dated 13th March,2014 and written submissions dated 18th
March,2014 and submitted that the Court may examine all the legal
evidence and pass appropriate orders to issue process against all the
accused and other persons. Learned Magistrate by order dated 2nd April,
2014, directed the complainant to lead evidence of his own or any other
witnesses under Section 200 of Cr.P.C. for taking cognizance.
4 The complainant led evidence and produced documents on
record. The petitioner filed written submission (Exhibit–13) through his
advcoate on 29th June, 2016, contending that process be issued against
accused. The learned Magistrate by order dated 1st July, 2016, issued
process against accused nos.1 to 3 for the offences punishable under
Sections 120-B, 406, 408 of IPC and against L.V. Rao, Siddha Reddy, T.
Bhumeshwar, Potu Rajaram and Gajam Sudarshan, for the offences
punishable under Sections 120-B, 468, 471, 420, 201, 406 and 408 of IPC.
The Court also issued summons to all the accused returnable on 6th
August, 2016.
5 Petitioner contends that in pursuance to the summon issued
by the Court, accused nos.1 to 7 appeared along with their advocate
before the trial Court on 6th August, 2016. The Court was on leave and
hence the case was adjourned to 3rd September, 2016. Accused nos.1 to 7
appeared in person along with their advocate and filed application for bail
at Exhibit–16. Whereas, accused no.8 filed an application seeking his
exemption from personal appearance and sought time to furnish surety
vide Exhibit–14 and also submitted an undertaking to keep accused no.8
present and file his Vakalatnama on the next date (vide Exhibit–15).
Learned counsel for the petitioner urged before the Court to hear him
before passing any order on the bail application of respondents/accused
nos.1 to 7 and sought copy of bail application for filing say of the
petitioner. The Court was pleased to direct counsel for the petitioner to
file an application to that effect and inform him that he had already
decided to pass an order granting bail to respondents/accused nos.1 to 7,
and, there is no provisions to hear the complainant. The Court passed
order granting bail to respondent nos.1 to 7. Thereafter, petitioner filed
an application on 3rd September, 2012, for remanding the accused to
custody vide Exhibit – 25 and to grant hearing on their bail application by
relying upon a note which was already prepared by him for opposing bail
application and certain authorities referred to therein. It is contended
that the Court took the said application on record and directed that the
copy be furnished to the accused. Petitioner's counsel pleaded that since
the copy of bail application was denied to be given to the petitioner, the
copy and the petitioner's application need not be given to the respondents
advocate for obtaining their say. It is contended that the Court proceeded
to direct the advocate for respondents/original accused to furnish his say
and obtain say on the application at Exhibit–25. The Court also directed
the advocate for the petitioner to give say on the exemption application
Exhibit–14, preferred by respondent/accused no.8. The application
Exhibit–25 was heard and it was adjourned to 17th September, 2016, for
orders with liberty to the petitioner's counsel to file further authorities on
the right of the petitioner to be heard on the bail application in case of a
private complaint. It is further contended that respondent no.8 appeared
in Court on 17th September, 2016, and preferred bail application Exhibit–
27, which was granted by the Court without hearing the petitioner or
learned APP. On 17th September, 2016, after hearing the further
submissions of the petitioner on application Exhibit–25, and taking on
record further written submissions and authorities in support of his
contention, learned Magistrate rejected application Exhibit–25.
6 Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner contends that
order dated 3rd September, 2016, passed below Exhibit–16 and order
dated 17th September, 2016, passed below Exhibit–27, contravenes
provisions of Section 437 of Cr.P.C. It is contended that first proviso to
Sub-section (1) of Section 437, reads as under:
“ Provided that the Court may direct that a person
referred to in clause (I) or clause (ii) be released on bail
if it is satisfied that it is just and proper so to do for any
other special reasons”. In the present case which
relates to non-bailable offences with punishment upto
seven years. One of the accused is under the age of
sixteen years or is a woman or sick or infirm. The fourth
proviso to sub-section of Section 437(1) reads as under:
“Provided also that no person shall if offence alleged to
have been committed by him is punishable with death,
imprisonment of life or imprisonment for seven years or
more, be released on bail by the Court under this Subsection
without giving an opportunity of hearing to the
public prosecutor.”
The present case relating to non-bailable offences punishable
upto seven years, the Court granted bail without giving any opportunity of
hearing to the public prosecutor or to the complainant. It is submitted
that Sub-section 3 of Section 437, which reads as,
“(3) When a person accused or suspected of the commission
of an offence punishable with imprisonment which may
extend to seven years or more or of an offence under
Chapter VI, Chapter XVI or Chapter XVII or the Indian
Penal Code (45 of 1860) or abetment of, or conspiracy
or attempt to commit, any such offences, is released on
bail under Sub-section (1), the Court shall impose the
conditions, – …........”
It is submitted that this case containing non bailable offences,
punishable upto seven years, the learned Magistrate granted bail to the
accused without imposing any condition. It is further submitted that
there was evidence on record showing that the accused have threatened
witnesses and tampered with the evidence. Hence, the orders granting
bail are in contravention of Section 437 of Cr.P.C.. Section 437(4)
mandates,
“(4) Any officer or a Court releasing any person on bail
under Sub-section (1), or Sub-section (2), shall record in
writing his or its reasons or special reasons for so
doing.”
It is submitted that in this case, learned Magistrate granted
bail to the accused without recording any reason, which is in violation of
the said provision.
7 Learned counsel for the petitioner further submitted that the
Court ought to have called for the say of prosecutor and to offer an
opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, as ge was directed to lead
evidence of his own or any other witness under Section 200 of Cr.P.C., for
taking cognizance and thereby the petitioner has been allowed to conduct
the prosecution and upon hearing the advocate for the petitioner, the
Court had issued process under Section 204 of Cr.P.C., which is in
pursuance of the provisions of Section 302 of Cr.P.C., which enables the
learned Magistrate to permit any person to conduct the prosecution,
personally or through his pleader with a rider that the Magistrate cannot
give such permission to a police officer below the rank of inspector.
Hence, the learned Metropolitan Magistrate ought to have held that in the
present case which is yet to reach the stage of Section 244 of Cr.P.C., and
when the bail application of the accused in non-bailable offence is under
consideration, the fourth proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 437 of
Cr.P.C., which mandates opportunity of hearing to the public prosecutor,
would necessarily mean opportunity of hearing to the complainant and his
advocate, as the learned APP in the present case was not present in the
Court, when the applications were heard. The learned Magistrate ought
to have strictly followed the mandatory statutory provisions of Subsection
(3) and (4) of Section 437 of Cr.P.C., while passing the impugned
order dated 3rd September, 2016. The order dated 17th September, 2016,
passed by the learned Magistrate rejecting petitioner's application for
granting opportunity of being heard is contrary to law.
8 The petitioner has also tendered written submission in
support of the petition. Reference is made to several decisions, which
were relied upon in support of his submission. It is submitted that in
Bimla Devi Vs. State of Bihar1, the Court had disproved the method
and manner in which the Magistrate granted bail to the accused in nonbailable
case. It is submitted that in D.K. Rajepadhare Vs. State of
Maharashtra2 this Court dealt with petition filed by former Joint Civil
Judge and Judicial Magistrate, who had challenged orders passed by the
Government of Maharashtra for compulsorily retiring him after a
disciplinary enquiry and recommendation of the High Court. It is
submitted that while approving the compulsory retirement, this Court has
observed in paragraph 14 of his judgment that as far as Section 437 of
Cr.P.C. is concerned, bail in the non-bailable offences cannot be granted
by a Court other than the High Court or a Court of Sessions. The first
proviso in Section 437(1) is the only provision which contains the
exceptions, namely, that such a Court may grant bail if a person is under
the age of 16 years or is a woman or is sick or infirm. These are the only
grounds which are available. These grounds were not available in the said
case. Said order was passed without jurisdiction. Learned counsel further
submitted that in the case of Hanuman Vishwanath Nehare Vs. State
of Maharashtra & Ors.3. This Court in paragraph no.9 has observed that
the principles relating to cancellation of bail are well settled. If the bail is
granted illegally or by a court having no jurisdiction or the grant of bail
shows arbitrariness in granting the same, such bail can be cancelled.
1 1994 SCC (2) 8
2 2005(4) Mah.L.J. 1067
3 2001 (5) Bom CR 879
Learned counsel further contends that in case of State of Maharashtra
Vs. Khodya Alias Khodidas Sonabhai4, it was observed in paragraph
42 that the provisions contained in Section 437(1), (2) and (5) remain
active and in force all throughout whereby all the considerations for
release of the accused on bail under Sub-section (1) with the prohibition
from such a release as contemplated by the proviso thereto and also the
necessity of cancellation of bail under Sub-section (5) could remain in
existence, and thus those cannot be allowed to be over-shadowed by the
provisions of Section 167(2). In case of Ram Govind Upadhyay Vs.
Sudarshan Singh & Ors.5, the Supreme Court has observed that in case
of Shahzad Hasan Khan Vs. Ishtiaq Hasan Khan & Anr.6, it was
observed that, “Had the Court granted time to the complainant for filing
counter-affidavit correct facts would have been placed before the Court
and it could have been pointed out that apart from the inherent danger of
tampering with or intimidating witnesses and aborting the case.”
Prosecution is entitled to place corrects facts before the Court. In Shahjad
Hasan Khan's case (Supra), it ws also observed that liberty is to be
secured through process of law. One of the salutary principle for granting
bail is that Court should be satisfied that the accused being enlarged on
bail will not be in a position to tamper with the evidence when allegation
of tampering are made, it is the duty of Court to satisfy itself whether
4 1983 (2) Bom CR 100
5 Appeal (Cri.) 381-382 of 2002
6 1987 (2) SCC 684
those allegations have basis (they can seldom be proved by concrete
evidence) and if the allegations are not found tobe concocted, it would not
be a proper exercise of jurisdiction in enlarging the accused on bail.
Learned counsel submitted that the orders passed by the trial Court are
completely contrary to Section 437 of Cr.P.C. and the principles laid down
by the Apex Court in several decisions. Reliance is placed on decision of
Supreme Court in the case of Shivkumar Vs. Hukum Chand and Anr.7
and submitted that, the interpretation of Section 302 of Cr.P.C. has been
ignored by learned Magistrate.
9 Learned counsel for respondent nos.1 to 7 and the advocate
representing respondent no.8 contended that the submissions advanced
by the counsel for the petitioner are devoid of merits. There is no violation
of Section 437 of Cr.P.C. The decisions relied upon by the petitioner are
totally out of context, as the same are not applicable in the present case.
There is no error of law in the impugned orders dated 3rd September,
2016 and 17th September, 2016. It is submitted that the Court was dealing
with the private complaint, in which the process was issued. It is
submitted that it was not necessary to call upon the say of the
complainant or the prosecutor. Learned Magistrate has rightly granted
7 1999 7 SCC 467
bail to the accused and rejected the application preferred by the
complainant vide Exhibit–25 by assigning cogent reasons. It is submitted
in the complaint case where process is issued, the person appearing
before the Court has to be dealt with in accordance with procedure laid
down under Section 88 of Cr.P.C. The practice of moving the application
by surrender, taking the applicant in custody, applying for bail, is contrary
to the said provisions. It is submitted that if the decisions relied upon by
the counsel for the petitioner that the accused was involved in serious
cases, like murder and they were in custody, and, therefore, the question
of applicability of Section 437 of Cr.P.C. had arisen. However, the said
principle cannot be applied to a private complaint, where summons is
issued to the accused for appearance. On remaining present, the accused
are required to execute the bond in accordance with the provisions of law.
Thus, reliance on the decisions put forth by the petitioner was misplaced.
Learned counsel relied upon the decision of the Allahabad High Court
delivered in the case of Vishwa Nath Jiloka & Ors. Vs. Ist Munsif
Lower Criminal Court, Bahraich & Anr.8 and another decision in the
case of Sardar Jaspal Singh Vs. State9.
10 I have perused the documents on record. The petitioner filed a
private complaint before the Court of learned Magistrate. The Court
8 1989 CRI. L.J. 2082
9 1990 0 SCC (ALL) 450
directed investigation in accordance with Section 156(3) of Cr.P.C.
Investigating machinery submitted report for applying “C” summary to
the proceedings. The petitioner has alleged that the accused have
committed offences under Section 120-B, 406, 408, 420, 506 and 506 Part
II of IPC. The petitioner filed protest petition. Note of submission and
written submissions were tendered and prayed for issuance of process.
Learned Magistrate by order dated 2nd April, 2014, directed the
complainant to lead evidence under Section 200 of Cr.P.C. evidence was
led. Petitioner tendered written submission dated 29th June, 2016, it was
prayed that process be issued against the accused. Learned Magistrate
by order dated 1st July, 2016, issued process by rejecting “C” summary
report. Trial Court directed issuance of process under Sections 120-B,
406 and 408 of IPC against accused nos.1 to 3 (respondent nos.1 to 3) and
also directed that process be issued for the offences punishable under
Section 120-B, 201, 406 and 408 of IPC against respondent nos.4 to 8. It
is pertinent to note that the said private complaint was filed against
respondent nos. 1 to 3. The respondent nos.1 to 3 appeared before the
trial Court. On behalf of respondent no.8, an application was preferred for
exemption. Respondent nos. 1 to 7 preferred an application for bail.
Learned Magistrate by order dated 3rd September, 2016, granted bail to
the said accused. Respondent no.8 was granted bail on 17th September,
2016. Order dated 3rd September, 2016, reads as follows:
“Perused the application. Heard the learned advocate for the
accused. Accused are appearing on today. They are ready and
willing to furnish bail. Hence, the accused be released on bail
on executing P.R.Bond of Rs.10,000/-, each and to furnish
surety in the like amount.”
Similar order was also passed on 17th September, 2016,
granting bail to accused no.8. The respondents while preferring the
application Exhibit–16 and Exhibit–27 had stated that the process was
issued against the accused for their appearance before the Court. They
may be granted bail, as they have permanent place of residence in
Mumbai, and the documents are annexed along with the application. They
are ready to attend the Court as and when required to face the trial. All
the offences are triable by the said Court, they have clear record.
11 Petitioner preferred application Exhibit–25 on 3rd September,
2016. In the said application, it was stated that the Court had issued
process against the accused. Without affording opportunity to the counsel
appearing for the complainant of being heard, the Court had granted bail
to the accused. The Court also directed the petitioner to file an
application on that day itself when it was requested that the procedure
laid down under Section 437 of Cr.P.C may be followed. It was submitted
that the offences are non-bailable and Section 437 of Cr.P.C. places
restriction upon learned Magistrate while considering bail application for
non-bailable offences. When there is evidence on record that the accused
are jointly and severally threatened the witnesses and tampered with the
evidence and fabricated false evidence during investigation, law laid
down by the Supreme Court as presented in the “Note”, is required to be
taken into consideration and to send the accused to judicial custody and
to consider the bail application upon hearing both the sides. On perusal of
the said application, it is apparent that the learned Magistrate had
granted bail to respondent nos.1 to 7 on 3rd September, 2016 and on the
same day, the application was preferred for sending the accused for
judicial custody. The accused had filed their say to application Exhibit – 25
that the application is not maintainable in law and deserves to be
dismissed. The judgment annexed along with the application are not
applicable. Therefore, the application be rejected. The learned Magistrate
by order dated 17th September, 2016, rejected the said application. The
Court took into consideration the judgments relied upon by the counsel
for the petitioner and considering the principle laid down in the said
decisions, it was observed that the present complaint is filed for the
offences punishable under Sections 120-B, 406, 409, 420, 506 and 506
Part II of IPC. The Court was pleased to call for report under section
156(3) of Cr.P.C. Police filed “C” summary report. The court took
cognizance of the complaint. Process was issued. Summons were issued
to the accused. No warrant was issued against the accused. As the
accused appeared on summons and were ready and willing to furnish bail,
bail was granted to them. In the rulings relied upon by the petitioner, the
cases were instituted on a police report. There was no private complaint.
There is no provisions in the Code of Criminal Procedure to obtain say of
the complainant on bail application of the accused. Therefore, it was not
necessary for the Court to obtain say of the complainant, and, therefore,
the say was not obtained. The Court released the accused on bail as they
appeared before the Court on a summons. No warrant was issued against
them. Thus, the Court has not committed any illegality. Hence, the
application was rejected.
12 On scrutiny of documents, the impugned orders dated 3rd
September, 2016, the reasons assigned by the trial Court in the order
dated 17th September, 2016, the principle enunciated in several decisions
placed for consideration by the counsel for the petitioner and the counsel
for respondents, the effect of Section 437 of Cr.P.C., principles relating to
cancellation of bail, I am of the opinion that there is no infirmity in the
impugned orders passed by the Court below.
13 As stated above, private complaint was filed. Trial Court
rejected the summary report and directed the complainant to lead
evidence. After examining the witnesses on oath, the learned Magistrate
took cognizance of the complaint under Section 204 of Cr.P.C. Chapter
XVI of Cr.P.C. relates to commencement of proceedings before Magistrate.
The order issuing process in the present case indicate issuance of
summons to the accused. Section 204 of Cr.P.C. stipulates that if in the
opinion of the Magistrate taking cognizance of an offence, there is
sufficient ground for proceedings, and the case appears to be a summons
case, he shall issue his summons for attendance of the accused or if it is a
warrant case, he may issue a warrant or, if he thinks fit, a summons for
causing the accused to be brought or to appear at a certain time before
the Court. In pursuant to the order issuing summons, respondent nos.1 to
7 appeared before the Court on 3rd September, 2016. Respondent no.8
preferred an application for exemption. He appeared before the Court on
17th September, 2016. The complainant was represented by his advocate.
His grievance is that he was not heard before passing order granting bail
and that the statutory provisions of Section 437 of Cr.P.C. has not be
complied by the trial Court. His application for sending the accused to
custody has been erroneously rejected by the Court. It is pertinent to note
that the complainant and his advocate were present in Court on 3rd
September, 2016 and on the same day application Exhibit – 25 was
preferred. There was no provision in law for entertaining application
Exhibit–25. The court took cognizance of the complaint and issued a
process under Section 204 of Cr.P.C. The summons was served upon the
accused. They appeared before the Court and showed their willingness to
execute bail bond for their appearances. It is pertinent to note that
summons were issued for their appearance before the Court. While
preferring an application for bail, the grounds raised therein enumerated
their availability and willingness to execute the bail bond. In the
circumstances, I do not find any illegality of the order passed by learned
Magistrate granting bail and order rejecting application Exhibit – 25. No
case of cancellation of bail granted to the accused is made out. The
judicial pronouncement relied upon by the counsel for the petitioner are
not applicable in those cases. There is no dispute about the principles to
be followed in consonance with Section 437 of Cr.P.C. and the limitation
for granting bail by the learned Magistrate. In the case of Bimla Devi
(Supra), the accused was prosecuted for an offence under Section 302
read with 34 of IPC. Two earlier applications for bail preferred by the
accused were successively rejected by the High Court. The Judicial
Magistrate granted bail to the accused. Subsequently, the Magistrate
cancelled the bail. The Court, therefore, depricated the approach of the
trial Court by observing that the course adopted by the learned
Magistrate is not only contrary to the settled principles of judicial
discipline or propriety, but also contrary to the statutory provisions. In the
decision delivered by this court in case of D.K. Rajepandhare (Supra).
The accused were charged for offences under Sections 302, 498-A of IPC.
One of them, who was mother-in-law of deceased applied for bail before
Judicial Magistrate. Bail was granted by the Court on the ground that she
was an old lady. The other accused, who was the husband of deceased
preferred bail application before Sessions Court, which was rejected. He
preferred second application before Sessions Court. During pendency of
the application, the said accused preferred application for bail before
aforesaid Magistrate, and the application before Sessions Court was
withdrawn. The Magistrate granted bail in the ground that the alleged
offences are triable by Court of Sessions, but, that does not mean
unnecessarily the accused should be detained in jail. In these
circumstances, it was observed that as far as Section 437 of Cr.P.C. is
concerned, bail in the non-bailable offences cannot be granted by a Court
other than the High Court or a Court of Sessions. The first proviso in
Section 437(1) is the only provision which contains the exceptions,
namely, that such a Court may grant bail if a person is under the age of 16
years or is a woman or is sick or infirm. These are the only grounds which
are available. None of the grounds were made out in this case and at the
Court who did not have jurisdiction to grant bail, had granted bail, is
clearly outside his jurisdiction. In the case of Hanuman Vishwanath
Nehare Vs. State of Maharashtra & Ors. (Supra), the applicant
sought cancellation of time granted by the Judicial Magistrate First Class
to the respondents–accused. The respondents – accused were arrested in
connection with attempt to commit murder under section 307 of IPC. They
were ordered to be released on bail even though APP was not available in
the Court. The victim died subsequently and Section 302 of IPC was
attracted. Charge–sheet was filed under Section 302 of IPC. In paragraph
9 of the said decision, this Court has observed that the principles relating
to cancellation of bail are now well settled. If the bail is granted illegally
or by a Court having no jurisdiction or grant of bail shows arbitrariness in
granting the same, such bail can be cancelled. In Shiv Kumar Vs.
Hukam Chand & Anr.10, appellant was aggrieved because counsel
appointed by him was not allowed to conduct prosecution inspite of
obtaining a consent from the public prosecutor. The Court considered the
effect of Section 302 of Cr.P.C., which relates to permission to conduct
prosecution was initiated on a private complaint, hearing ought to have
been given to him. In the present case, trial Court has dealt with the said
contention and the prayer for sending the accused in judicial custody and
rejected the application for the reasons stated therein. In the case of
State of Maharashtra Vs. Khodya Alias Khodidas Sonabhai (Supra),
Court had considered the powers to grant bail under Section 167(2) of
Cr.P.C. and provisions of Section 437(1), (2), (5) of Cr.P.C. In case of Ram
10 (1999) 7 SCC 467
Govind Upadhyay Vs. Sudarshan Singh & Ors.(Supra), Supreme
Court has observed that while liberty of an individual is precious and
there should always be an all round effort on the part of Law Courts to
protect such liberties of individuals but this protection can be made
available to the deserving persons only. The Court cancelled bail granted
to accused by High Court. The facts of the case would indicate that FIR
was lodged for offence under Section302 of IPC. Witnesses were
threatened and assaulted. FIR was lodged under Sections 323 and 504 of
IPC. High Court granted bail. Application for cancellation of bail was
rejected, hence, appeal was preferred before Supreme Court. In the case
of Shahzad Hasan Khan Vs. Ishtiaq Hasan Khan & Anr. (Supra), bail
was granted by High Court in peculiar facts of the case ont eh ground
that trial could not be commenced and concluded or directed by Court.
Time was sought by complainant to place the facts before Court by filing
counter affidavit. Prayer was rejected. The accused had obtained
adjournments before trial Court. In these circumstances, it was observed
that Court ought to have granted time to the complainant for filing
affidavit. The Hon'ble Supreme Court cancelled bail granted by High
Court. The petitioner had contended that the trial Court had directed that
appropriate action be initiated about tampering of witnesses. Stopping
them from tampering witnesses and evidence. The said order was passed
on 30th October, 2013. The report seeking classification of the complaint
as “C” Summary was submitted on 28th November, 2013. Thereafter, the
evidence was adduced and the process was issued. The ratio laid down in
the decisions referred to hereinabove, was in the context of the factual
matrix of the said cases, where the accused were arrested for heinous
crimes and they were in custody and bail was granted. The petitioner
contends that the offences for which process was issued contain nonbailable
offences and, therefore, Section 437 would be applicable. In the
factual aspects of the present case, the submissions cannot be accepted.
14 In the case of Vishwa Nath Jiloka & Ors. Vs. Ist Munsif
Lower Criminal Court, Bahraich & Anr. (Supra), the Allahabad High
Court has dealt with the situation wherein the Court has considered the
provisions of Section 88 of Cr.P.C. In the said case, the opposite party filed
a criminal complaint for the offences punishable under Sections 420 and
406 of IPC. Statement was recorded under Section 200 of Cr.P.C. and 202
of Cr.P.C. Learned Magistrate found prima facie case under Section 420 of
IPC and summons was issued to the accused for their appearance before
the Court. One of the petitioner was served with Non-bailable Warrant
and he was arrested. He was granted bail by the trial Court. Other
accused did not surrender. It was contended that one of the accused was
arrested and they apprehended similar humiliation and harassment. The
Court referred to Section 204 of Cr.P.C. and observed that, “It is evident
from Clauses (a) and (b) of sub-Section (1) that a summons or warrant to
the opposite party or the accused of a complaint case is issued only for his
attendance before the Magistrate or for him being brought or to appear
before the Magistrate. Even if warrant is issued to the accused or
opposite party in a complaint case, it is not a direction for investigation
and so the Magistrate cannot grant judicial remand under Section 167 of
Cr.P.C. All that the accused or the opposite party of a complaint case has
to do in response of a summon or a warrant issued, under Section 204, is
to attend the Court of the Magistrate or to appear before him. It was
further observed that it is evident from Clause (b) of Sub-section (1) that
before issuing a warrant in a complaint case, which may be warrant case,
a Magistrate himself should pause and think if the issue of summons
should be more reasonable. The Magistrate should note that issue of
warrant in a complaint case is to be governed by Sub-section (5) of
Section 204 of Cr.P.C. and for that there must be compliance of section 87
of Cr.P.C. When contingency for issuing a warrant as laid down in Section
87 has not arisen, the Magistrate should invariably think of issuing
summons. While issuing summons, the Magistrate should bear in mind
Section 205 of Cr.P.C., which empowers the Magistrate to dispense with
the personal attendance of the accused and to permit him to appear by his
pleader. The Magistrate may at any stage of the proceedings, even
though he has earlier exempted personal attendance of the accused,
order the accused to be personally present. Where the accused in a
complaint case are of different districts or State, the Magistrate should
invariably issue a summons to the accused dispensing his personal
attendance and permitting him to appear through pleader. This will
automatically minimize mischievous and vexatious complaints simplified
for causing harassment and humiliation to the accused. Even when the
personal attendance of the accused in a criminal case has not been
exempted or when a warrant is issued to the accused in a complaint case
under Section 204(1)(b) and the accused after being served with
summons or warrant or having come to know of the same appears before
the Magistrate, it is not at all legal for the Magistrate to take him into
custody and then grant judicial remand necessitating a bail application
and a bail order under Section 437 of Cr.P.C., when a person appears or is
brought before a Magistrate or court in response of summons or warrant,
the proper procedure to be followed is laid down in Section 88 of Cr.P.C.
In case of breach of bonds furnished under Section 88 of Cr.P.C., action
can be taken for enforcing the bonds and further for arrest under Section
89 of Cr.P.C. It would be relevant to quote observations in the said
decision in paragraph 11 of the said decision, which reads as follows:
“11 It is thus obvious that practice followed in the courts of
Magistrate by even some members of the bar, namely,
moving an application for surrender of the accused in a
complaint case and then after the accused is taken in the
custody applying for bail is contrary to provisions of Cr.
P.C. and is altogether unwarranted. It should be
immediately given up and the accused of the complaint
cases should be assured that they will be honourably
dealt with in the courts of the Magistrates. In complaint
cases when the accused appear before the Magistrate in
response to summonses or warrants, the Magistrates
should themselves note the appearance of the accused in
the proceeding and should thereafter pass appropriate
order for bonds with or without sureties as required
under Section 88 Cr. P.C. If members of the bar want to
place on the record that certain accused of (Sic)
adjournment of the enquiry or trial should be only for
reasons to be recorded; remand under this sub-section
should not exceed 15 days at a time; when witnesses are
in attendance no adjournment or postponement should
be granted without examining them, except for special
reasons to be recorded in writing and that no
adjournment should be granted for purpose only of
enabling the accused person to show cause against the
sentence proposed to be imposed on him. Then the
explanations of the sub-section make it clear that there
must be reasonable cause for a remand and adjournment
or postponement. If sufficient evidence has been
obtained to raise a suspicion that accused may have
committed an offence, and it appears likely that further
evidence may be obtained by remand, it should, be
treated as reasonable cause for a remand. Terms on
which an adjournment or postponement may be granted
to include, in appropriate cases, payment of costs by the
prosecution or the accused. It is thus obvious that the
Parliament intended that there should be minimum
restriction to the fundamental right of liberty guaranteed
under the Constitution. When an equally efficacious
procedure is available for securing attendance of the
accused in a complaint case, namely, obtaining bond with
or without sureties under Section 88 Cr. P.C., power of
judicial remand under Section 309(2) should not be used,
otherwise there would be unnecessary infringement of
the fundamental right of liberty. Perusal of Section 88,
89 and 309(2) Cr. P.C., however, make it clear that in
cases where accused of complaint case commits default
and absents himself from the court entailing his arrest
on a warrant issue under Section 89 Cr. P.C. and is
unable to offer sufficient cause for his absence, power of
judicial remand under Section 309(2) can be used.”
15 In the present case, as discussed hereinabove, the trial Court
took cognizance of the complaint and issued process. It was also directed
that summons be issued to the respondents – accused. The Court did not
opt for issuance of warrant. In this circumstances the question of taking
the accused into custody or applying rigors of Section 437 does not arise.
The Court was dealing with the private complaint where the process was
issued vide Section 204 of Cr.P.C. Sections 87 and 88 of Cr.P.C. can be
adverted, which reads as follows:
87. Issue of warrant in lieu of, or in addition to, summons. - A
court may, in any case in which it is empowered by this Code
to issue a summons for the appearance of any person, issue,
after recording its reasons in writing, a warrant for his arrest-
(a) if either before the issue of summons, or after the issue of the
same but before time fixed for his appearance, the court sees
reason to believe that he has absconded or will not obey the
summons; or
(b) if, at such time he fails to appear and the summons is
proved to have been duly served in time to admit of
his appearing in accordance therewith and no
reasonable excuse is offered for such failure.
88. Power to take bond for appearance.
When any person for whose appearance or arrest the
officer presiding in any court is empowered to issue a
summons or warrant, is present in such court, such
officer may require such person to execute a bond, with
or without sureties, for his appearance in such court, or
any other court to which the case may be transferred for
trial.”
16 In the circumstances, there is no infirmity in the orders
passed by the trial Court below. No case of setting aside the impugned
order is made out. The reasons assigned by the Court while rejecting
application Exhibit–25 do not call for any interference. The complainant
was present in Court on 3rd September, 2016. He preferred an application
Exhibit-25. There is no illegality in the orders passed by trial Court. The
ratio laid down in the aforesaid decisions delivered by Allahabad High
Court needs to be taken into consideration. In another decision of the
Allahabad High Court placed into service by the learned counsel for the
respondents in the case of Sardar Jaspal Singh Vs. State (Supra), it
was observed that in cases of private complaints, Magistrate should not
take opposite parties (accused) in custody under Section 309 (2), but,
should, in all cases where the parties concerned voluntarily appear, to
resort to Section 88 of Cr.P.C and require the parties concerned only to
furnish bonds with or without securities, for appearance or future dates
and where the opposite party of a complaint case resides at along
distance as in this case, the Magistrate should exempt personal
attendance of the opposite party of the complaint case and allow them to
appear through counsel under Section 205 of Cr.P.C.
17 In the light of the aforesaid discussion and the provisions
under Sections 87 and 88 of Cr.P.C., and considering the fact that the
subject proceedings which are arisen out of a private complaint where the
process and the summons has been issued to the accused, I am of the
considered opinion that the orders were not violative of any statutory
provisions of law and that the judicial pronouncement relied upon by the
counsel for the petitioner are not applicable in this case and hence this
petition is required to be dismissed.
18 Hence, I pass the following order:
:: O R D E R ::
(i) Criminal Writ Petition No.380 of 2017, is dismissed.
(PRAKASH D. NAIK, J.)
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