A conviction under Section 138 of the N.I. Act can be upheld if supported by sufficient evidence, and sentences can be modified based on the financial circumstances of the accused.

O R D E R

The revision petitioners were convicted and sentenced by the courts below under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act (for short 'the N.I.

Act').

2. Heard.

3. The courts below correctly appreciated the oral and documentary evidence and concurrently found that the revision petitioners executed Ext.P1 cheque as contemplated under Section 138 of the N.I.Act and committed the offence under of the N.I. Act. No material has been brought to the notice of this court to indicate that the appreciation of evidence or the concurrent finding of conviction under of the N.I.Act by the courts below was perverse or incorrect. In the said circumstances, the concurrent finding of conviction by the courts below under of the N.I.Act, does not warrant any interference by this court.

4. As regards the sentence, the learned Counsel for the revision petitioners has pleaded for leniency. The learned Counsel for the revision petitioners has submitted that the petitioners are not having any source of income at present even for their livelihood.

Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, including the amount covered by Ext.P1 cheque, I am of the view that the sentence awarded by the appellate court can be modified and reduced to a fine of Rs.2,00,000/- (Rupees Two Lakh Only) each, with a default clause for simple imprisonment for one month each under Section 138 of the N.I.Act, to meet the ends of justice. It is ordered accordingly. If the fine is realised, the entire amount shall be given to the complainant as compensation under Section 357 (1)(b)

Cr.P.C.

In the result, this Criminal Revision Petition stands allowed in part as above.

The revision petitioners are granted eight months to pay the fine/compensation as requested by the learned Counsel for the revision petitioners.