MATHEW C MATHEW Vs. P X RUDOLPH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner has been found guilty, convicted and sentenced in a prosecution under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act in these two connected cases. He has preferred appeals. Appeals have been admitted. Sentences have been suspended subject to conditions. He has been directed to execute bonds. In Crl.A.No.31/07, he has been directed to deposit an amount of Rs.35,000/- and in Crl.A.No.39/07, he has been directed to deposit an amount of Rs.15,000/-. He could not deposit the amount. He, therefore, applied for extension of time. The prayer for extension of time was rejected. The learned Sessions Judge has now directed that the appeals be listed for hearing on 25/5/2007.

(2.) The petitioner, in these circumstances, has come before this court with the prayer that such condition of deposit may be dispensed with. He is facing acute financial difficulty and if insistence were made on the condition, the petitioner will have to undergo imprisonment even before his appeal is taken up for consideration. This, in short, is the plea.

(3.) The learned Sessions Judge has already directed that the appeal shall be taken up for consideration on 25/5/2007. I am satisfied that relief can be granted to the petitioner subject to appropriate conditions.