In Brief
The appellant was convicted under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 for issuing a cheque without sufficient funds, and sentenced to three months imprisonment plus compensation of Rs. 2,45,000. The High Court affirmed the conviction. The Supreme Court held that the concurrent findings of guilt by three courts could not be disturbed. However, since the appellant had fully paid the ordered compensation and deposited an additional Rs. 1,00,000 as directed, the Court modified the sentence. The prison term was waived and the additional amount was directed to be paid to the complainant instead, serving the interests of justice better while upholding the conviction.
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