IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
WP(C) No. 7222 of 2007(I)
1. SINDHURAJ, FIREMAN,
... Petitioner
Vs
1. STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE
... Respondent
2. JOSEPH ANTONY, PULIPARAMBIL HOUSE,
For Petitioner :SRI.NIDHI BALACHANDRAN
For Respondent : No Appearance
The Hon'ble MR. Justice R.BASANT
Dated :28/05/2007
O R D E R
R. BASANT, J.
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W.P.C.No. 7222 of 2007 I
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Dated this the 28th day of May, 2007
JUDGMENT
The petitioner has been found guilty, convicted and sentenced
in a prosecution under Section 138 of the N.I. Act. The sentence is
ripe for execution now. The grievance of the petitioner is that he has
not been furnished with a free copy or certified copy of the judgment
passed by the learned Magistrate. He is therefore not able to
challenge the verdict of guilty, conviction and sentence. He
apprehends that without waiting for furnishing the copy of judgment
to him, the sentence may be executed jeopardising his interests.
2. The report of the learned Magistrate was called for. The
learned Magistrate reports that it is true that the petitioner has not
been furnished with the copy of the judgment. But he explains that it
so happened because the file was not traceable. Necessary steps are
being taken to locate the file and to bring to book those responsible
for such missing of the file. The fact remains that the file has not
been traced so far nor has copy been furnished to the petitioner. I am
satisfied in these circumstances that this writ petition can be allowed
W.P.C.No. 7222 of 2007
2
and appropriate directions can be issued to secure the interests of the
petitioner. Directions to that effect have already been issued as interim
direction on 5.3.2007.
3. This Writ Petition is, in these circumstances, allowed in part. The
learned Magistrate is directed not to take any steps for execution unless a
period of 15 days has elapsed from the date on which a free copy or
certified copy is delivered or the date notified for delivery of copies to the
petitioner.
(R. BASANT)
Judge
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