1 1 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDIATURE AT BOMBAY IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDIATURE AT BOMBAY IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDIATURE AT BOMBAY CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.1659 OF 2005 1. Peacock Industries Ltd. 5/1, Old Fathepura, Udaipur 313 004 .. 2. Mr.Daud Ali Dawood Manging Director of M/s.Peacock Industries Ltd. 74, Polo Ground .. Udaipur 313 001. 3. Mr.Munwar Hussain working at Peacock Industries Ltd, 74, Polo Ground, Udaipur 313 001. .. Petitioners. Vs. 1. M/s.Budhrani Finance Ltd. 94, Maker Chamber VI, Nariman Point, Bombay 400 021. .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.1876 OF 2005 M/s.Nipramadu Wire Industries Pvt. Ltd. 403-D, Steel Chambers, Broach Street, Carnac Bunder, Mumbai 400 009. .. Petitioners. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Mukund Ltd. L.B.S.Marg, Kurla Mumbai 400 070 .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.1959 OF 2005 Shri Krishnakumar Khandelwal A/7, Sai Darshan, Irla Bridge, Andheri (W), Mumbai 400 058. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Fortis Financial Services Ltd. 2 2 2 G-16, Marina Arcade, Connaught Circus New Delhi 110 001. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.2063 OF 2005 1. Peacock Industries Ltd. 5/1, Old Fathepura, Udaipur 313 004 .. 2. Mr.Daud Ali Dawood Manging Director of M/s.Peacock Industries Ltd., 74, Polo Ground.. Udaipur 313 001. 3. Mr.Munwar Hussain working at Peacock Industries Ltd, 74, Polo Ground, Udaipur 313 001. .. Petitioners. Vs. 1. M/s.Pankaj Shawls Ltd. 42, G.D.Ambedkar Road, 202, India Printing House, Wadala, Bombay 400 031. .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.2100 OF 2005 Pradeep S.Bhalakia 2nd Floor, B.G.Kher Marg, Malabar Hill Mumbai 400 006 .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. Moreshwar Dwarkanath @ Pramod Vagal 216/3, Ratiraj Sher-e-Punjab Society, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai 400 093. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.160 OF 2006 1. M/s.Chemstar Organics (India) Ltd. PNB House, 4th Foor, Phirozshah Mehta Road, 3 3 3 Mumbai 400 001. .. 2. Mr.Ashutosh R.Majumdar Director of Chemstar Organics (I) Ltd., Add: same as above .. 3. Mrs.Ami Ashutosh Majumdar Director of Chemstar Organics (I) Ltd., Add: same as above .. Petitioners. Vs. 1.M/s.Khetan Brothers 4, Kilfire House, 1st Floor, C-17, Dalia Industrial Area, Off. Link Road, Andheri (W), Mumbai 400 053 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.2328 OF 2005 Shri Suhas Mhatre 105, A/3, Dhanraj Industrial Estate, Sunmill Lane, Lower Parel Mumbai 400 013. .. Petitioner Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. Birla Globel Finance Ltd. Apeejay House, 2nd Floor, Shahid Bagat Singh Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400 001. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.2561 OF 2005 Shri Bharat Himmatlal Doshi 47/48, Anand Darshan, "C" Wing, G.Deshmukh Marg, Mumbai 400 026. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Sarjit Trading & Investments Pvt. Ltd. 192, Jupiter Apartments, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai 400 005. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.2666 OF 2005 Shri Prakashchand J.Jain 2, Jawahar Nagar, 4 4 4 S.V.Road, Goregaon, Mumbai 400 104. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Aruna Sugars Finance Ltd. 210, Maker Chamber V, 2nd Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.2667 OF 2005 Shri Prakashchand J.Jain 2, Jawahar Nagar, S.V.Road, Goregaon, Mumbai 400 104. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Aruna Sugars Finance Ltd. 210, Maker Chamber V, 2nd Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.3191 OF 2005 1. M/s.Viber Foods, Firdaus, Chimbai Road, Old Kant Wadi Bandra (W), Mumbai 400 050 .. 2. Alihusein F.Vakil Partner M/s.Viber Foods Firdaus, Chimbai Road, Old Kant Wadi, Bandra (W), Mumbai 400 050. .. 3. Abbas A.Vakil Partner M/s.Viber Foods Firdaus, Chimbai Road, Old Kant Wadi, Bandra (W), Mumbai 400 050 .. Petitioners. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. Mather & Platt through substituted complainant Bharat P.Mehta .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.2192 OF 2005 5 5 5 1. Shri Rakesh Kumar 46/B, Mittal Tower, 210, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. .. 2. Shri V.P.Agarwal 25, Shivaji Marg, New Delhi .. 3. Prakash Industries Ltd. 25, Shivaji Marg, New Delhi 110 015 .. Petitioners. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. Eskay K’n’IT (India) Ltd. (formerly known as Shree Krishna Petro Yarns Ltd.) 396, V.S.Marg, Prabhadevi Mumbai 400 025. .. 3. Shri Norman Gomes 46/B, Mittal Towers, 210, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021 .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.2302 OF 2005 Nimish B.Thakore 71, Pushpak Apartment, 31, Altamount Road, Mumbai 400 026 .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. M/s.Mandavi Co-operative Bank Ltd., Vyapar Bhavan, 49, P.D.’Mello Road, Bombay 400 009. .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.2913 OF 2005 Shri Shirish Welling 1st Floor, Bhagirathi Sadan, 17th Road, Khar (W), Mumbai 400 052. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. Kotak Securities Ltd. Bakhtawar, 1st Floor, 229, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. .. Respondents. 6 6 6 WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1646 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1647 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1648 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH 7 7 7 CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1649 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1650 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1651 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1652 OF 2006 8 8 8 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1653 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1654 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1655 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga 9 9 9 Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1656 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1657 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1658 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. 10 10 10 Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1659 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1660 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1661 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., 11 11 11 Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1662 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1663 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1664 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 12 12 12 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.1665 OF 2006 1. Ahura Mazda Dairy Farm .. 2. Shri Viraf Fali Kanga Godrej Baug, P/20, Off. Nepeansea Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Applicants. Vs. 1. Mr.Kanchan Kamlesh Bhatija 65/M, Darya Doras Bldg., Flat No.202, 2nd Floor, V.P.Road, Santacruz (West) Mumbai 400 055 .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.314 OF 2006 1. M/s. Synthico Formulations Ltd. 2. Mahesh Dedhia, 13/14, Jay House, Andheri Kurla Road, Opp.Mittal Ind. Estate, Mumbai 400 059. .. Petitioners. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Unimark Remdies Ltd. 9, Crystal, 1st Floor, Juhu Road, Santacruz Road (W) Mumbai 400 054. .. 3. Kailash Dedhia .. 4. Gopal Dedhia .. 5. Ramesh Dedhia .. 6. Vinod Dedhia 13/14, Jay House, Andheri Kurla Road, Opp.Mittal Ind. Estate, Mumbai 400 059. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.476 OF 2006 Shri Brij Mohan Bagri 199/201, Moti Mansion, A.B.Kolhatkar Marg, Mumbai 400 004. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 13 13 13 2. Maharashtra Apex Corpn.Ltd. 101, West View Bldg., V.S.Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai 400 025. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.525 OF 2006 Sanjiv Taktawala Aqua Marine, 4th Floor, 15th Navroji Road, Mumbai 400 026. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Lloyds Finance Ltd. Viraj Impex House, 47, D’Mello Road, 2nd Floor, Masjid, Mumbai 400 009. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.591 OF 2006 Shri Bharat C.Parekh 102, Atlanta, 10th Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Shambulal A.Shah & Co. 43, Podar Chambers, 109, S.A.Brelvi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.592 OF 2006 Shri Bharat C.Parekh C-7, MIDC, Murbad, Dist. Thane .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Shambulal A.Shah & Co. 43, Podar Chambers, 109, S.A.Brelvi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.593 OF 2006 14 14 14 Shri Bharat C.Parekh 102, Atlanta, 10th Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Shambulal A.Shah & Co. 43, Podar Chambers, 109, S.A.Brelvi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.594 OF 2006 Shri Bharat C.Parekh C-7, MIDC, Murbad, Dist. Thane .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Shambulal A.Shah & Co. 43, Podar Chambers, 109, S.A.Brelvi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.615 OF 2006 Mr.Pratap Majithia E-9, M.R.Housing Society, Relief Road, Santacruz (W), Mumbai 400 054. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Tata SSL Ltd. Dattapara Road, Borivli (East) Mumbai 400 066. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.961 OF 2006 Jatin Ashok Khandwala Krishna Kunj, Juhu Scheme, Road No.6, Vile Parle, Mumbai 400 056. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. Shantichand Ravichand Jhaveri 7, Unity House, 3rd Floor, 8, Mama Parmanand Marg, 15 15 15 Opera House, Mumbai 400 004. .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.997 OF 2006 Shri D.N.Daruwala 801, Coover Villa, Dadar Parsi Colony, Jam-E-Jamshed Road, Dadar, Mumbai 400 014. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. Mr.Rock Leo Gonsalves Eastern Lodge, 2nd Floor, St.Franscis Avenue, Santacruz (W), Mumbai 400 054 .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.998 OF 2006 Shri D.N.Daruwala 801, Coover Villa, Dadar Parsi Colony, Jam-E-Jamshed Road, Dadar, Mumbai 400 014. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. Mr.Rock Leo Gonsalves Eastern Lodge, 2nd Floor, St.Franscis Avenue, Santacruz (W), Mumbai 400 054 .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.1035 OF 2006 1. Emtex Industries (I) Ltd. Plot No.4, MIDC, Post: Badlapur, District Thane .. 2. Shri Shivprakash Makharia Plot No.4, MIDC, Post:Badlapur, Dist.Thane .. 3. Mr.Pradeep Kumar Maliram Makharia Makharia Bhavan, B-12, V.M.Road, J.V.D.S.Vile Parle (W) Mumbai 400 049 .. Petitioners. Vs. 1. Maharashtra State Finance Corporation, New Excelsior Bldg. 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th Floors, 16 16 16 Amrit Keshav Nayak Marg, Fort, Mumbai .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.1058 OF 2006 1. Lionnaira Holdings & Investments Pvt. Ltd. 27, Vaishali, near I.F.C.Bhavan C.G.Road, Navrangpura, Ahemdabad 380 009. .. 2. Shri Kaivalya Desai 130/132, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400 023. .. 3. Shri Darshan Jariwala 130/132, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400 023. .. Petitioners. Vs. 1. Jiji Marshall Trading Pvt. Ltd. 71-EL-Cid, B.G.Kher Mumbai 400 006. .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.1094 OF 2006 Shri Narendra Chawla United Business Centre 281, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, P.O.Box No.1147, Near G.P.O. Mumbai 400 001. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. Mrs.Renu M.Mehra 303, Om Apartments, 3rd Floor, B Wing, Sundervan Complex, Andheri Mumbai 400 053 .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.1177 OF 2006 Shri Parvez Damania 604/C, Laxmi Niwas, Lady Jahangir Road, Dadar, Mumbai 400 014. .. Petitioner. Vs. 17 17 17 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Narang International Hotels (P) Ltd. Hotel Ambassador Bombay 400 020 .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.1178 OF 2006 Shri Parvez Damania 604/C, Laxmi Niwas, Lady Jahangir Road, Dadar, Mumbai 400 014. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Narang International Hotels (P) Ltd. Hotel Ambassador Bombay 400 020 .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.1179 OF 2006 Shri Parvez Damania 604/C, Laxmi Niwas, Lady Jahangir Road, Dadar, Mumbai 400 014. .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. State of Maharashtra .. 2. M/s.Narang International Hotels (P) Ltd. Hotel Ambassador Bombay 400 020 .. Respondents. WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.1240 OF 2006 1. Emtex Industries (I) Ltd. Plot No.4, MIDC, Post: Badlapur, District Thane .. Petitioner. Vs. 1. Maharashtra State Finance Corporation, New Excelsior Bldg. 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th Floors, Amrit Keshav Nayak Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400 001. .. 2. State of Maharashtra .. Respondents. 18 18 18 Mr.Niranjan Loposingh i/b M/s.Niranjan & Co. for the petitioners in WP Nos.1659/05 and 2063/05. Mr.S.V.Marwadi i/b Shri S.P.Narkar for the petitioners in WP Nos.1876/05, 1959/05, 2328/05, 2561/05, 2666/05, 2667/05, 2913/05, 476/06, 591/06, 592/06, 593/06, 594/06, 615/06, 961/06, 1177/06, 1178/06, 1179/06. Mr.S.V.Marwadi for the petitioners in WP Nos.2100/05, 160/06, 1035/06, 1140/06. Mr.A.P.Mundargi, senior counsel with Mr.Dinesh Purandare i/b Mrs.Revati Mohite Dere. Mr.Jehangir Khajotia for the petitioners in WP Nos.1646/06 to 1665/06. Mr.J.P. Shah i/b M/s.A.S.Khan & Assoc. for the petitioner WP Nos.314/06. Mr.Dilip Devadiga for the petitioner in WP No.525/06. Mr.S.V.Marwadi and Mr.J.P.Shah for the petitioner in WP Nos.997/06, 998/06. Smt.Kimaya M.Prajapati for the petitioner in WP No.1058/06. Smt.Annie Fernandes for the petitioner in WP No.1094/06. Mr.S.R.Shinde A.P.P. for the State in WP Nos.1659/05, 476/06, 1177/06, 2192/05. Mrs.M.M.Deshmukh A.P.P. for the State in WP Nos.1876/05, 1646/06 to 1665/06. Mrs.M.H.Mhatre A.P.P. for the State in WP Nos.1959/05, 314/06, 997/06, 1179/06, 1140/06. Mr.A.S.Shitole A.P.P. for the State in WP Nos.2063/05, 2100/05, 2328/05, 2561/05, 2666/05, 2667/05, 2913/05, 525/06, 615/06. Mr.U.V.Nikam A.P.P. for the State in WP Nos.591/06, 592/06, 593/06, 594/06, 961/06, 1035/06, 1094/06. Mr.P.A.Pol A.P.P. for the State in WP No.1058/06, 1178/06. Smt.Vandana Jaisingh for respondent no.1 in WP 19 19 19 No.1659/05. Mr.A.A.Chavan for respondent no.2 in WP No.1876/05. Mr.A.S.Khan & Assoc. for respondent no.2 in WP No.1959/05. Mr.Shrikant Shrimani for respondent no.2 in WP No.2100/05. Smt.Divya S.Sanghavi for respondent no.1 in WP No.160/05. Shri Sanjog S.Parab for respondent no.2 in WP Nos.2328/05, 3191/05. Shri Mihir Gheewala with Mr.J.P.Shah i/b A.S.Khan and Assoc. for repsondent nos.2 in WP Nos.2561/05, 2566/05, 2667/05. Shri A.H.Aney senior counsel with Mr.Gautam Mishra & Yeshpal Thakur for respondent no.2 in WP No.2192/05. Smt.Preeti Shah for respondent no.2 in WP No.2913/05. Shri Amol V.Doijode for respondent no.2 in WP No.314/06. Mr.Kafil Khan & Savita Mundra for respondent no.2 in WP No.525/06. Mr.Udaipuri i/b Udaipuri & Co. for respondent no.2 in WP No.997/06, 998/06. Mr.Michael D’Souza for respondent nos.1 and 3 in WP No.1160/06. CORAM : D.B.BHOSALE, J. CORAM : D.B.BHOSALE, J. CORAM : D.B.BHOSALE, J. DATED : 14TH JULY, 2006 DATED : 14TH JULY, 2006 DATED : 14TH JULY, 2006 JUDGMENT: JUDGMENT: JUDGMENT: 1. The questions raised in this group of writ petitions are common, the fact situation against which they are raised is similar and though the parties are different they all arise from somewhat similar orders and hence this group of petitions is being disposed of 20 20 20 by common judgment. 2. The questions that fall for my consideration are as under; (A) Whether sub-section (2) of Section 145 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, (for short, "the Act") confers an unfettered right on the complainant and the accused to apply to the Court seeking direction to give oral examination-in-chief, of a person giving evidence on affidavit, even in respect of the facts stated therein and that if such a right is exercised, whether the Court is obliged to examine such a person in spite of the mandate of section 145(1) of the Act? (B) Whether the provisions of Section 145 of the Act, as amended by the Negotiable Instruments (Amendment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2002,(for short "the amending Act of 2002") are applicable to the complaints under section 138 of the Act pending on the date on which the amendment came into force? In other words, do the amended provisions of Section 145(1) and (2) of the Act operate retrospectively? 21 21 21 3. I was given to understand by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioners in all the petitions that as the questions raised in this group of petitions are questions of law, reference to the facts of individual case is not necessary and accordingly I do not deem it necessary to narrate facts of each case for consideration of the questions that fall for my consideration. However, for the sake of convenience and brevity, I refer to the facts obtaining in the first writ petition no.1659 of 2005 and 3-4 other writ petitions to understand the fact situation against which the aforesaid questions have been raised. 4. In the first petition (Criminal Writ Petition No.1659 of 2005) the petitioner-accused has impugned the order dated 1.4.2005 rendered by the learned Magistrate in the complaint filed by the respondent-complainant under section 138 of the Act, over-ruling the objection raised by the petitioner-accused. The objection was to the effect that section 145 of the Act cannot be taken recourse to by the complainant for giving evidence on affidavit since the complaint in this petition was filed much before the Amending Act of 2002 by which section 145 was inserted, came into force. The Amending Act was 22 22 22 brought into force on 6.2.2003 whereas the complaint was filed on 3.4.1999. In this case the respondent-complainant, under section 145(1) of the Act was allowed to give his evidence on affidavit after 6.2.2003 and when the accused was asked to cross examine the witness on 1.4.2005, the aforesaid objection was raised which was rejected by the order, impugned in the petition. In short, the submission was, the provisions of section 145 of the Act cannot be give retrospective effect. Similar objection was raised in criminal writ petition no.2063 of 2005 and that was also over-ruled by the order impugned in that writ petition. In Writ Petition No.2100 of 2005 the accused preferred an application under section 145(2) of the Act seeking direction to the complainant, who has given his evidence on affidavit, to again depose to the facts which have already been stated in the affidavit in examination-in-chief. That application was rejected by order dated 16.7.2005 relying upon the judgment of this Court in KSL and Industries Ltd Vs. KSL and Industries Ltd Vs. KSL and Industries Ltd Vs. Mannalal Khandelwal and Anr, 2005 All MR (Cri) 1105 Mannalal Khandelwal and Anr, 2005 All MR (Cri) 1105 Mannalal Khandelwal and Anr, 2005 All MR (Cri) 1105. In Criminal Application No.1646 of 2006, similar application under section 145(2) was filed and that was also rejected relying upon the very judgment of this Court. However, in that case the accused was given an opportunity to make a statement under section 294 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (for short "the 23 23 23 Code"). Most of the cases in this group are arising from similar orders passed on the applications made by the accused under section 145(2). In Criminal Writ Petition No.2302 of 2005 the petitioner-accused has challenged the order dated 7.7.2005 rejecting his prayer to take the evidence of accused no.7 on affidavit relying upon the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 145. That application was rejected by the learned Magistrate holding that sub-section (1) of section 145 gives a right only to the complainant to give evidence on affidavit. In Writ Petition No.2192 of 2005 the accused filed application seeking de-exhibiting of the documents filed by PW 1 with his evidence on affidavit. That application was rejected by order dated 31.8.2005 holding that the accused had not taken any objection