JUDGMENT :

A. BADHARUDEEN, J.

1. The order dated 23.09.2025 in M.C. No.4/2025 in S.C.No.426/2021 on the files of the Additional Sessions Court-IV, Palakkad, imposing penalty to the tune of Rs.50,000/- each against the appellants herein, who are the sureties for the accused in the said case is under challenge in this appeal.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the appellants and the learned Public Prosecutor, in detail. Perused the verdict under challenge.

3. The learned counsel for the appellants would submit that, though in terms of the bail bond, the amount forfeited was Rs.1 Lakh each, the Special Court ordered penalty to the tune of Rs.50,000/- each against the appellants/sureties and the same is on the higher side as far as the appellants are concerned. It is also submitted that, the appellants could produce the accused before the Court, if sufficient time would be granted by setting aside the impugned order. Otherwise, the learned counsel for the appellants submitted that, some leniency may be shown in the matter of fine in the interest of justice and the appellants are ready to deposit Rs.25,000/- each.

4. In the instant case, bail bond was forfeited because of non appearance and ab