P Raju v. State by Central Bureau of Investigation
Case brief
What is this about?
Karnataka HC (V Srishananda J, 01-02-2025), CRL.A 577 & 687/2012 c/w, s.374(2) CrPC appeals by ex-Managers P. Raju and E.L. Chetty of Bank of Baroda, Siddaiah Road Branch, against CBI Special Court conviction (Spl. CC 118/2004, dt. 30.04.2012) for cheque-kiting/service-branch debit fraud committed with relatives (A3-A7 acquitted): IPC ss.120B/420/468/471/477-A convictions upheld; PC Act s.13(1)(d)/13(2) conviction set aside for want of cogent proof of pecuniary gain; sentence commuted to simple imprisonment till rising of court plus Rs.50,000 enhanced fine each; repayment Rs.41,03,900 (A1, last instalment Rs.11,03,900 by 31.05.2025) and Rs.24,000 (A2 by 28.02.2025) directed as compensation to the bank; default in payment entails simple imprisonment of two years; trial evidence comprised 24 witnesses (PW.1-PW.24) and Exs.P.1-P.371; no precedent judgments cited.
What did the court decide?
Criminal Appeals allowed in part. Convictions under IPC ss.120B, 420, 468, 471, 477-A maintained, but imprisonment substituted with simple imprisonment for the day (till rising of the Court); appellants acquitted under PC Act s.13(1)(d) read with s.13(2), 1988. Each appellant to pay enhanced fine of Rs.50,000 on or before 28.02.2025 (default: six months' further imprisonment). Accused No.1 (Crl.A.577/2012) to pay Rs.41,03,900 in instalments per memo, last instalment Rs.11,03,900 on or before 31.05.2025; accused No.2 (Crl.A.687/2012) to pay Rs.24,000 on or before 28.02.2025; deposited amounts to be paid as compensation to Bank of Baroda, Siddaiah Road Branch. Disqualification/passport effects of conviction not to affect withdrawal of appellants' voluntary contributions if permissible under law. Default in clause (iii) payments: simple imprisonment for two years. Trial Court Records to be returned forthwith.