Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 -- Cheque bounce complaint – Proclaimed person --  Petitioner is keen to join the proceedings -- Petition disposed of and the impugned order set aside subject to payment of Rs.10,000/- as costs to be paid to the complainant – On surrender of the petitioner with cost of Rs.10,000/- within 10 days, the Court concerned directed to admit him to bail subject to its satisfaction and decide the application for revival of the complaint in accordance with law.

(Para 4)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 195 (1) (a) (i), 482 -- Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174A – Proclaimed person – FIR u/s 174A of IPC – Sustainability of -- No complaint by the Court which had passed order declaring the petitioner as a proclaimed person -- Requisite application of mind by the Court by invoking criminal liability of the petitioner for offence u/s 174-A of IPC was apparently lacking order forming the basis of FIR -- FIR u/s 174-A of IPC quashed.

(Para 9, 10)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 105 – Proclaimed person – Accused abroad -- Petitioner had left for England on 19.05.2019 and though the summons were issued vide order dated 19.04.2019, the same was not received back and thereafter, when the non-bailable warrants were issued against the petitioner vide order dated 06.06.2019, received back unserved with the report that she has gone to England -- A person cannot be said to “abscond” or “evade” the execution of warrant when he had gone to a distant place before the issue of the warrant – Impugned order was not passed in consonance with the mandate of Sections 82 & 105 of Cr.P.C. and is not sustainable in the eyes of law, set aside.

(Para 8-13)

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (61 of 1985), Section 21 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 – NDPS Case – Jump of bail – Proclaimed offender -- Due to communication gap with his counsel, the petitioner could not appear in Court on 6.10.2023 and his bailable warrants were issued for 13.12.2023 -- On 13.12.2023 he was out of station due to some household work -- Resultantly, his bail and surety bonds were cancelled and warrants of arrest were issued and thereafter, proclamation was issued and he was declared proclaimed offender – Petitioner undertakes that he is ready and willing to surrender before the trial Court – Order declaring proclaimed offender set aside subject to surrendering of the petitioner within 7 days with cost of Rs.10,000/-

(Para 2-8)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 104 – Accused at abroad – Proclaimed person -- At the time of issuance of proclamation u/s 82 of the Cr.P.C., the trial Court was fully conscious of the fact that the petitioner has gone abroad -- Trial Court at the first instance should have proceeded u/s 105 of the Cr.P.C. for effecting service upon the petitioner through German Consulate -- Date of appearance was short of 30 days statutory period -- Still further, the petitioner was declared as proclaimed person on date, which was not fixed for appearance – Held, declaration of petitioner as proclaimed person was wholly in violation of the statutory mandate laid down u/s 82 read with Section 105 Cr.P.C thereof – Petition allowed, impugned order set aside.

(Para 8)

A. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 – Foreign citizen -- Absconding -- Proclamation -- Petitioner was resident of UK since 1988 i.e. well before the relevant FIR was filed -- According to Section 82, a proclamation may be issued against an individual by the Court if it is reasonably believed that the person for whom a warrant has been issued has absconded or is hiding, making it impossible for the warrant to be carried out -- A person cannot be said to be “abscond” or “evade” the execution of warrant when he had gone to a distant place before the issue of the warrant.

(Para 6, 7)

B. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 – Foreign citizen – Proclaimed person -- Petitioner is a resident of UK and has been a citizen of UK since the year 1988 i.e. 28 years – Petitioner has been shown to be a resident of Village in District Hoshiarpur but for all intents and purposes, the residence of the petitioner was in UK, therefore, there was no occasion for him to evade the process of law intentionally, as he was never served in accordance with law – Thus the proclamation order is in gross violation of Section 82 Cr.P.C – Impugned order vide which the petitioner has been declared proclaimed person, is bad in law and not sustainable, set aside.

(Para 9-11)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174A – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 -- Cheque bounce complaint – Proclaimed person – Quashing of FIR u/s 174A IPC -- Proceedings under the Negotiable Instruments Act have culminated in a settlement with the withdrawal of the complaint – Order declaring the petitioner proclaimed person and the order for registration of FIR u/s 174-A IPC quashed.

(Para 9-13)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 406, 420, 120-B -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 438 – Cheating -- Anticipatory bail -- Habitual offender – 16 complaints/ FIR pending – Petitioners have not only cheated the present complainant but several other criminal complaints have been filed against them -- Apart from that,  petitioner No.2 was declared a proclaimed person and four FIRs were registered against him in this regard -- Thus, there are chances that the petitioners may abscond from the process of law -- Custodial interrogation of the petitioners would be required in the case – Petition dismissed.

(Para 1, 6-9)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 -- Proclaimed offender – Compromise quashing of FIR – Special Power of attorney -- A proclaimed offender cannot seek quashing of the FIR on the basis of a compromise, more so, when he is absconding in multiple cases pending against him -- He cannot short circuit the system by filing petitions through Powers of Attorney unless he was a minor, insane, suffering from disability or for certain compelling circumstances is unable to appear in person.

(Para 8)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174A – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 -- Cheque bounce complaint – Proclaimed person – Quashing of FIR u/s 174A IPC -- Proceedings under the Negotiable Instruments Act have culminated in a settlement with the withdrawal of the complaint -- FIR and all other subsequent proceedings arising out of the FIR quashed.

(Para 9-13)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174A – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82(4), 482 -- Quashing of FIR u/s 174A – Cheque bounce complaint – Proclaimed offender – Quashing of FIR u/s 174A IPC -- Complaint u/s 138 of N.I.Act was for an offence other than aforesaid offences specified in sub section (4) of the section 82 of CR.P.C. – Order passed by learned Chief Judicial Magistrate declaring the petitioner a proclaimed offender was/ is not legal -- Said order is the basis of the registration of the FIR u/s 174A IPC against the petitioner and is, therefore, fatal to the FIR in question -- Moreover, petitioner already been acquitted by the trial Court -- Impugned FIR and all subsequent proceedings emanating therefrom are liable to be quashed -- FIR alongwith all consequential proceedings arising there from against the petitioner quashed.

(Para 2.3, 7.2-9)

A. Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174A – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 195 – Constitution of India, Article 21 – FIR u/s 174A of IPC -- Section 195 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), in its present form, encompasses Section 174-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) within its purview.

(Para 12.13-12.16)

B. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 -- Proclaimed person/ Proclaimed offender – Procedure -- Courts meticulously adhere to the statutory requirements in letter and spirit both, duly reflecting their compliance on the record prior to pronouncing an individual as a proclaimed person or offender and invoking criminal liability.

(Para 13.1)

C. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174A – Proclaimed person/ Proclaimer offender – FIR u/s 174A IPC – Mandate of -- There is no mandatory prescription in the Code of Criminal Procedure requiring the Court to invariably initiate separate criminal proceedings for the offence under Section 174-A IPC in every instance where an individual fails to appear as summoned by way of proclamation -- Courts should act judiciously and exercise circumspection before embarking on the stringent path of instituting criminal proceedings u/s 174-A of IPC.

(Para 13.4)

D. Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 – Cheque bounce complaint -- Proclaimed person/ Proclaimer offender – FIR u/s 174A IPC – Order declaring the petitioner as proclaimed person is wholly silent as to when the proclamation u/s 82 Cr.P.C. against the petitioner was issued; what was the date specified therein for the petitioner to appear in Court; when the proclamation was actually published; whether it was publicly read in some conspicuous place of the town or village in which the petitioner ordinarily resided; whether it was affixed to some conspicuous part of the house or homestead in which the petitioner ordinarily resided or to some conspicuous place of such town or village; whether a copy thereof was also affixed to some conspicuous part of the court-house -- Further, the order does not contain a statement by the Court to the effect that the proclamation was duly published on a specified day and in the manner specified in clause (i) of Sub-Section (2) -- These facts were not even noticed in the order passed by the Court – Order is totally non-speaking and does not at all show that while passing it, the Court had applied its mind to the relevant facts and circumstances and taken any conscious decision that it was a fit case to invoke criminal liability of the petitioner for offence u/s 174-A of IPC -- It was/is cryptic, non-speaking and mechanical order sans any reasons or application of mind – Order declaring proclaimed person and FIR Quashed.

(Para 15-17)

E. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 – Proclaimed person/ Proclaimed offender -- Guidelines framed:

Issuance of proclamation :

i. Preceding the issuance of the proclamation under section 82 Cr.P.C., the Court must deliberate upon its previous efforts to secure the presence of the through other legally permissible means. These efforts encompass the issuance of summons, the execution of bailable and/or non-bailable warrants against the accused. The Court must thoroughly document the results stemming from these endeavours, accompanied by pertinent facts and comprehensive details. It is incumbent upon the Court to satisfactorily ascertain that the individual in question has indeed absconded or is concealing himself to evade execution of warrant of arrest.

ii. The phrase "reason to believe," as articulated in Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, signifies that the Court must derive its belief from the available evidence and materials that the concerned person has absconded or is concealing himself to evade execution of warrant of arrest.

iii. Furthermore, in the proclamation, it must be set forth as to where and when the concerned individual must present himself. A designated location and time must be stipulated. Importantly, the specified date and time for appearance should not be less than a thirty-day from the date of publication of the proclamation.

Publication of proclamation–

iv. The publication of a proclamation, as outlined in Section 82(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, mandates adherence to all three prescribed modes, namely:

(a). The public reading of the proclamation in a conspicuous location within the town or village where the individual ordinarily resides.

(b). The affixation of the proclamation at a prominent spot at the individual's house or homestead.

(c). The display of the proclamation at a prominent location within the precincts of the court house.

v. All the aforesaid three modes of publication of a proclamation have to be adhered to. Failure to follow all or any of them renders the proclamation invalid in the eyes of the law. This is because the three sub-clauses (a) to (c) are mutually exclusive.

vi. If the Court so feels, in addition to the aforementioned trio of methods for securing the accused's presence, it may, at its discretion, also direct the publication of a copy of the proclamation in a daily newspaper circulating within the geographical area where the said individual ordinarily resides.

vii. If the Court, in its discretion orders publication of proclamation in newspaper, it shall also direct that the newspaper agency, upon the publication of the proclamation in the newspaper, shall dispatch a copy thereof to the accused's address, as is the procedure observed in civil matters, in terms of Order 5 Rule 10 of the Code of Civil Procedure. In essence, this supplementary measure ensures that the accused is duly apprised of the legal proceedings against him.

Declaration as “proclaimed person” or “proclaimed offender:

viii. Prior to the declaration of the concerned individual as a "proclaimed person" or "proclaimed offender," the Court shall pass a speaking order stating relevant facts and record its satisfaction that the proclamation has been duly and properly published in the prescribed manner.

ix. Furthermore, it must ensure that a period of not less than thirty days has expired between the date of publication of the proclamation and the date indicated in the proclamation for the individual's appearance. If the interval between the proclamation's publication and the date specified therein for appearance falls short of thirty days, such a publication of the proclamation cannot serve as the foundation for designating the individual in question as a "proclaimed person" or "proclaimed offender."

x. A person can be declared “Proclaimed offender” only where the proclamation published under sub-section (1) of section 82 Cr.P.C. is in respect of any of the offences as per table given below :-

xi. If person accused of the above offences fails to appear at the specified place and time required by the proclamation, the Court may, after making such inquiry as it thinks fit, pronounce him a proclaimed offender and make a declaration to that effect.

xii. In all other alleged offences, the concerned person can and shall be declared as a “proclaimed person”.

Invoking criminal liability for the offence under section 174-A of IPC:

xiii. It is imperative to bear in mind that the primary purpose behind the issuance and publication of proclamations under Section 82, as well as the attachment and sale of an individual's property, is the securing/compelling the appearance of the concerned person, to facilitate the expeditious trial of criminal cases by obviating the often protracted delays which impede their disposal.

xiv. It is noteworthy that the Code of Criminal Procedure does not prescribe an automatic or obligatory invocation of further criminal liability under Section 174-A of the Indian Penal Code, in every case where an individual fails to appear pursuant to he being declared as ‘proclaimed person’ or ‘proclaimed offender’ after the publication of the proclamation under subsection (1) of Section 82 of the Code.

xv. Consequently, it follows that even subsequent to the formal declaration of an individual as a "proclaimed person" or "proclaimed offender," the Court still retains the discretion to determine whether it is judicious to initiate the rigorous criminal proceedings under Section 174-A of the IPC, being mindful that the offence carries a punishment of imprisonment for up to seven years, coupled with a fine.

xvi. In arriving at such a pivotal decision, the Court should exercise due circumspection, once more apply its mind to the facts and circumstances of each case considering the majesty of law vis-a-vis the nature and gravity of the offence that triggered the publication of the proclamation under subsection (1) of Section 82 of the Cr.P.C.; the potential impact of said offence on the victim or society at large; steps, if any, taken for the attachment and sale of property of the person concerned and the result thereof; the stage/status of the ongoing trial, any mitigating factors that may favor the proclaimed person or offender, and conversely, any aggravating factors against them. It is thereafter, that the Court should pass a speaking and reasoned order for initiating criminal proceedings against the proclaimed person or offender for the offense under Section 174-A of the IPC.

xvii. Once the Court decides to proceed against the petitioner for an offence under Section 174-A of the IPC, it is imperative to institute a formal written complaint in the competent jurisdictional court. This imperative arises from the prevailing provision of Section 195 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which mandates that no Court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under Sections 172 to 188 (both inclusive) of the Indian Penal Code except on the complaint in writing of the public servant concerned or of some other public servant to whom he is administratively subordinate.

(Para 19)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 83 – Cheque bounce complaint -- Service of summons – Proclaimed person -- It is not borne out as to how the petitioners were duly served before initiating proceedings u/s 83 Cr.P.C. -- Such a recourse is not sustainable in law i.e. without recording satisfaction by learned Magistrate as contained u/s 82(3) Cr.P.C. to the effect that Court found that proclamation was duly published -- 30 days’ time, as mandated by Section 82 Cr.P.C. was not granted -- Impugned orders cannot be sustained -- Petition allowed, impugned orders quashed qua petitioner.

(Para 6)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174A – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Cheque bounce case – Proclaimed person – Quashing of FIR u/s 174A IPC-- FIR on account of absence of the petitioner which was subsequently regularized on his appearance after he was granted bail by the Court -- Continuation of the proceedings u/s 174-A of IPC shall be abuse of the process of the Court – Order declaring Proclaimed Person along with subsequent proceedings arising out of the same including FIR u/s 174-A of IPC quashed, subject to payment of Rs.25,000/-.

(Para 7)

A. Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 188 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 195 – Disobedience of order of public servant – Cognizance on complaint -- To constitute the offence, there must be disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant -- Pre-requisites for taking cognizance of an offence u/s 188 IPC is a complaint filed by the concerned public servant.

(Para 5)

B. Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 188, 269, 270 – Covid-19 – Likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life – There must be some material to suggest that petitioner’ actions were likely to spread infection of a dangerous disease -- No Covid-19 test of the petitioner was conducted to show that he was infected from the virus – Not mentioned in the FIR that which specific guideline was violated by the petitioner -- Only allegation made against the petitioner is that he was not wearing a mask, though it has been denied by the petitioner on affidavit -- Charges under section 269, 270, IPC also cannot stand -- Allegations are same against other accused as well, thus, FIR is quashed not only qua the present petitioner; but also for other accused person as well.

(Para 5-7, 11)

C. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 105d(ii) – Quashing of proclamation proceedings -- Accused left for aboard -- Proclamation proceedings u/s 82 of Cr.P.C were initiated against the petitioner at his local address despite of report regarding petitioner being abroad -- In these circumstances, it cannot be said that the petitioner was absconding or deliberately concealing himself from the proceedings of the Court as he has already left for another country 02 years back -- It was obligatory for the trial Court to execute the process through the Embassy of the concerned country as stipulated u/s 105 d (ii) of Cr.P.C – Order declaring the petitioner as Proclaimed person set aside.

(Para 8, 11)

A. Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174A -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 -- Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Cheque bounce case – FIR u/s 174A IPC – Punishment -- Accused will be liable to be punished under the first part of Section 174A IPC, i.e. up to three years' imprisonment or with fine or with both; and not under second part of Section 174A IPC.

(Para 9)

B. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 468, 482 -- Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174A – Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881) , Section 138 – Cheque bounce case – FIR u/s 174A IPC – Limitation of 3 years -- Quashing of FIR -- Cognizance of an offence punishable under first part of Section 174A IPC cannot be taken after the expiry of three years -- Though the petitioner was declared proclaimed person vide order dated 02.07.2018 but the FIR in question u/s 174A IPC registered on 09.08.2022 i.e. much beyond the period of limitation of three years -- Court will be debarred from taking cognizance of such an offence u/s 174A IPC --  FIR u/s 174-A IPC and all the subsequent proceedings arising therefrom, quashed.

(Para 10-13)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174-A – Cheque bounce case – Quashing of FIR u/s 174-A of IPC -- Proclaimed person – Proceedings u/s 138 NI Act have culminated in a settlement with the withdrawal of the complaint – FIR u/s 174-A of IPC along with all subsequent proceedings quashed.

(Para 10, 11)

A. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82(1), 482 -- Proclamation – 30 days’ time for appearance – Quashing of proclamation order -- Proclamation was effected on 10.01.2020 for 14.01.2020 – For appearance giving only 04 days’ time to the petitioner, clearly falls short of the statutory period of 30 days prescribed u/s 82 (1) Cr.P.C -- Petitioner was declared as proclaimed offender on 12.03.2020; whereas for the said date, there was no proclamation u/s 82 (1) Cr.P.C. was either ordered or effected – Order dated 12.03.2020 being violative of Section 82 Cr.P.C. set aside.

(Para 8, 9)

B. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82(1) – Constitution of India, Article 21 -- Procedure of proclamation – Mandatory and inviolable -- Provisions of Section 82 (1) Cr.P.C. provides procedure for appearance of an individual before the Court in the criminal proceedings and thus, regulates the liberty of an individual as such it stems from Article 21 of the Constitution of India and accordingly becomes mandatory and inviolable.

(Para 8)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174-A – Cheque bounce case – Quashing of Proclaimed person order/ FIR u/s 174-A IPC – Since the petitioner has joined the trial, order declaring proclaimed person has lost its significance -- Petitioner is no longer a proclaimed person and thus, continuing with the FIR would be oppressive -- Accordingly quashed.

(Para 1, 2)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174A – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 439 -- Non-appearance in response to proclamation – Regular bail -- Petitioner involved in 39 other cases, all FIRs are either under the provisions of Gambling Act or Excise Act besides few u/s 174-A IPC – Investigation in the present case already stands concluded with the filing of challan and the petitioner is behind the bars for more than 2 months – Petitioner ordered to be released on regular bail.

(Para 1-6)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174-A -- Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 – Cheque bounce case -- Proclaimed person – Quashing of FIR u/s 174-A of IPC – Surrender and bail – Effect of -- Petitioner was declared proclaimed person, however, surrendered before the Trial Court and after noticing that he had not appeared earlier and since the offence in question is bailable, he was admitted to regular bail -- Later on, FIR u/s 174-A IPC was registered against the petitioner on the basis of the order declaring him proclaimed person -- FIR and all the consequent proceedings arising out of the same quashed. Rahul Dureja’s case, 2022(1) R.C.R.(Criminal) 248 relied.

(Para 2-5)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 125 -- Petitioner/ husband working with Indian Army as Lieutenant Colonel which is a very high ranking position -- Gross salary of the petitioner is Rs. 1.98 lakh and as per petitioner, he is getting carry home salary Rs. 66,000/- as he is making payment towards home loan and car loan – Nowadays, the cost of living is very high -- Family Court, allowed maintenance of Rs. 55,000/- per month to respondents i.e. Rs. 25,000/- to respondent No. 1-wife and Rs. 15,000/- per month each to respondents No. 2 and 3-minor daughters of the petitioner -- No infirmity or illegality in the impugned order warranting interference – Petition dismissed.

(Para 1, 5-7)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174-A -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – Cheque bounce case – Quashing of FIR u/s 174-A IPC -- Complaint u/s 138 of the Act was compromised and the complaint stood dismissed as withdrawn – Held, continuation of proceedings u/s 174-A IPC shall be an abuse of process of law -- Petition allowed and FIR u/s 174-A IPC along with all the subsequent proceedings arising therefrom quashed.

(Para 8, 9)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 -- Quashing of proclamation – Accused in aboard -- Accused could not be served through summons, bailable warrants, and even non-bailable warrants -- Petitioner was declared proclaimed offender on 07.11.2015 -- Immigration slips reveals that the petitioner arrived in India on 02.03.2018 – In impugned order there is no reference that the petitioner was away from India – Impugned order is arbitrary, set aside.

(Para 1-4)

A. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 -- Absconder -- Publication of proclamation – 30 days’ period for appearance -- Order of proclamation is dated 22.05.2017 – Proclamation marked to the SHO on 02.06.2017, requiring the petitioner to appear before the Court on 13.06.2017 -- Publication was effected on 12.06.2017 -- Neither proclamation was publicly read in some conspicuous place nor 30 days' period was given to the petitioner to appear in the Court – Held, order dated 09.02.2018, whereby the petitioner was declared absconder, is therefore, against the provisions of Section 82 Cr.P.C – Said order is against the statutory provisions, the same is set aside.

(Para 6)

B. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 – Publication of proclamation – 30 days’ period for appearance -- Directions given that learned Courts of Judicial Magistrates are required to take the provisions of Section 82 Cr.P.C. in its true letter and spirit -- Advised that whenever a proclamation is issued, then two dates be given in the order i.e. first date should be within 15-20 days giving the direction to the serving official to complete the process of proclamation and to return the proclamation well in time and to appear in the Court for making statement about publication of proclamation -- Second date should be fixed after 30 days thereof directing the accused to appear at a specific place and on the specified date and time, so that there is no violation of the provisions of Section 82 Cr.P.C.

(Para 7)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 – Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138, 142 – Cheque bounce case -- Quashing of order declaring accused proclaimed person – Submitted that the petitioner was never served with the summons and has now come to know about the pendency of the complaint and he is ready to surrender before the trial Court and face the trial -- Issuance of notice of motion to respondents dispensed with, petition allowed, impugned order declaring the petitioner a proclaimed persons, set aside -- Petitioner directed to appear before the trial Court within a period of 15 days and on doing so, the trial Court will release him on bail -- Till then arrest stayed.

(Para 1-5)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174-A (Section 420, 406, 506, 120-B) – Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 – Cheque bounce case – Cheating -- Quashing of FIR u/s 174-A of IPC -- Since the matter has been settled between the parties and the petitioners have been acquitted in the proceedings u/s 138 of the N.I. Act and also in FIR u/s 420, 406, 506, 120-B IPC, no fruitful purpose would be served in continuing the proceedings under Section 174-A of IPC -- Petition allowed and the FIR u/s 174-A of IPC and all subsequent proceedings arising therefrom quashed.

(Para 10,11)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174-A -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 – Proclaimed person –Quashing of FIR u/s 174-A IPC – Offence u/s 406/420 of IPC compounded by ld. JMIC – No fruitful purpose would be served in continuing the proceedings under Section 174-A of IPC -- Petition allowed and FIR under Section 174-A of IPC and all subsequent proceedings arising therefrom quashed and also the orders whereby petitioner has been declared as a proclaimed person also set aside.

(Para 10, 11)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174-A – Cheque bounce case – Incorrect address -- Proclaimed person – FIR u/s 174-A IPC -- Despite of providing repeated opportunities to complainant to file the correct address, needful was not done -- An application was filed that there is no other address except the one mentioned in the complaint -- Without therebeing any basis, to conclude that petitioner was avoiding service the court proceeded to issue warrant of arrest and thereafter passed the impugned order for registration of FIR – Petition allowed, impugned order set aside.

(Para 6, 7)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 -- Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174-A -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Cheque bounce case -- Proclaimed person – Quashing of FIR u/s 174-A of IPC -- Complaint u/s 138 of N.I. Act withdrawn by complainant as compromised – Case of the petitioner that he was not aware of the proceedings u/s 138 of the Act of 1881 and was subsequently arrested and released on bail -- Order declaring the petitioner as proclaimed person would prove to be insignificant inasmuch as the main complaint u/s 138 of the Act itself has been withdrawn -- Petition allowed -- FIR u/s 174-A of the IPC and all the subsequent proceedings arising therefrom quashed/set aside.

(Para 9-13)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 -- Proclaimed offender order – Challenge to – Petitioner was declared proclaimed offender on 22.09.2017 – A clear period of 30 days w.e.f. the date when proclamation was actually affected upto the date nominated for causing appearance i.e. 28.08.2017 was not afforded to the petitioner and it is only a period of 26 days, which was afforded – Impugned order cannot sustain, set aside – Petition accepted.

(Para 2-4)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174-A -- Proclaimed person – Quashing of FIR u/s Section 174-A – Compromise in cheque bounce case – Complaint has been dismissed as withdrawn -- Petition allowed, FIR and consequential proceedings quashed.

(Para 1-5)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174-A – Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881) , Section 138 -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Cheque bounce case – Proclaimed person – FIR u/s 174-A IPC – Compromise in cheque bounce case – Complaint u/s 138 NI Act withdrawn --  Held, since the main complaint stands withdrawn the matter being compromised between the parties, therefore, continuation of the proceedings under Section 174-A IPC would be nothing but an abuse of the process of law – FIR and all other subsequent proceedings arising thereof quashed qua the petitioner subject to payment of cost of Rs.7000/- to the Legal Services Authority.

(Para 5-7)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 – Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174-A -- Cheque bounce case – Proclaimed person -- FIR u/s 174-A IPC – Compromise in complaint u/s 138 NI Act case – Complaint was dismissed as withdrawn – FIR u/s 174-A of IPC and all consequential proceedings arising therefrom quashed.

(Para 2-6)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 406, 420, 120-B -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 -- Proclamation order – Statutory period of 30 days not complied with – Effect of -- Impugned order being illegal, is liable to be set aside – Petitioner is directed to appear before the trial Court within one month and should seek regular bail, interim bail granted till his appearance. Ashok Kumar’s case 2013 (4) RCR (Criminal) 550 relied.

(Para 2-5)

A. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82(2) – Proclamation proceedings -- Report of constable – Non-compliance of 82(2)(i)(a) – Omission to read the publication in some conspicuous place of the town -- Effect of -- One copy affixed on the wall of the house of accused/petitioner, the second copy affixed at a common place of village, and, the third copy affixed on the notice board of the Court – Held, in sub-section 2 all the provisions carried therein are to be conjunctively complied with -- There is no scope for the serving constable, to rather making fragmentary compliances thereto nor the serving constable can omit to also proceed to comply with the mandate carried in (i)(a) of sub-section 2 of Section 82 inasmuch as, his omitting to read the publication in some conspicuous place of the town, whereins, the accused person ordinarily resides -- Report of the serving constable is silent, with respect to compliance qua (i)(a) of sub-section 2 of Section 82 of the Cr.P.C -- Consequently, his report is legally infirm, and, also the reliance, as made thereons, by the learned Magistrate concerned, is not amenable for acceptance.

(Para 6)

B. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82(2) -- Proclamation proceedings – Service at abroad -- Petitioner departed on 26.06.2017 to a foreign country and returned to India, on 27.11.2018 -- Legal effect thereof is that unless, he was validly served at his foreign abode concerned, through the embassy of India located in the foreign country concerned, rather thereupon the endeavour of the ld. trial Magistrate concerned, to serve him, at his abode at India was completely illegal -- Impugned order of 06.11.2018 quashed.

(Para 7-9)

C. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82(2) -- Proclamation proceedings – Procedure of -- Magistrate to initially secure presence before him through summons, and, upon his failing to hence secure his presence, to thereafter, issue upon non-bailable warrants – Proclamation was completely illegal, as neither the summons could be validly personally served, upon the accused-petitioner nor the non-bailable warrants could be served, personally upon the petitioner at his abode in India -- Impugned proclamation order quashed.

(Para 7-9)

A. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 -- Service by Proclamation – Statutory period of 30 days – Compliance of -- Period of less than 30 days was given to the petitioner from the date on which written proclamation was published as per which the petitioner was to appear in the Court -- Further adjournment granted by the trial Court whereby the case was posted just to complete the statutory period of 30 days, cannot be treated as compliance of the provisions of Section 82(1) Cr.P.C.

(Para 7)

B. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 -- Service by Proclamation – Accused residing abroad – Procedure of -- Trial Court received report that the petitioner (accused) was living abroad and consequently, a direction was given to issue proclamation against the petitioner – No attempt was made by the Court concerned to serve summons to the petitioner through Ministry of External Affairs -- Even proclamation was not got published in any newspaper -- When the accused is residing in foreign country and no attempt is made to serve summons through Ministry of External Affairs, order of proclamation of the accused is liable to be set aside. Kashmir Ram’s case (P&H) and Sunil Kumar’s case 2002 (1) RCR (Criminal) 119 (Delhi HC) relied.

(Para 7, 8)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 482 -- Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 302 – Murder case -- Extradition of accused from Canada – Accused served through proclamation – Trial stalled due to non-appearance of accused – Prayer to direct prosecution to initiate and conclude the extradition process with Canada – Held, jurisdiction vest with trial judge at this stage not with High court --  Trial Judge and Public Prosecutor directed to initiate the process with the Ministry of External Affairs for ensuring the extradition of co-accused from Canada to India -- Process ordered to be ensured to be completed within four months.

(Para 1-5)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 – Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Cheque bounce case -- Proclamation Person – Accused was at abroad -- Averred that at the relevant time, of the serving constable proceeding to execute the proclamation notice, the petitioner was outside India -- Without believing the afore averment, supported by an affidavit, rather the impugned order yet depended upon the infirm report of the serving constable, and, hence becomes ridden with a vice of infirmity, as it was incumbent, upon the learned Magistrate concerned, to ensure, that prior thereto, his eliciting a report of the serving officer, whether the petitioner was residing at his abode, as mentioned against his name, in the memo of parties -- Service of the proclamation notice never became validly caused upon the petitioner – Impugned order quashed and set aside.

(Para 3-5)

A. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82((2)(i)(a) – Proclaimed offender -- Proclamation notice – Service of – Mandate of – Non-compliance of -- Serving executing officer in his report/statement, made a disclosure that he affixed one copy of the proclamation on the gate of the house of the accused -- However, a reading of the afore report, does not disclose, that he had also read it publicly in some conspicuous place of the town or village, in which the accused ordinarily resides -- A reading of the apposite report, not disclosing that he had also meted compliance to Clause (a) of sub-sub-Section (i) of sub-Section (2) of Section 82, of the Cr.P.C, thereupon, his report is in departure of the statutory injunction, as therethrough, became cast upon him -- Consequently, the knowledge of the proclamation notice, was not hence completely acquired by the petitioner, and, also the endeavour of the executing officer to serve the proclamation notice, upon the accused, is completely deficit on score.

(Para 7)

B. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82((2)(i)(a) – Proclaimed offender – Resident of Canada – Procedure of Service -- Petitioner is residing in Canada since 23.10.2008, therefore, it was rather imperative, for the learned trial Magistrate concerned, to even if he intended to secure his appearance before him, or before any other Court of law, to ensure that personal service of the process of Court, became through, the Embassy of India, located in Canada – Neither the executing officer, has ensured the causing of personal service upon the accused at Canada, nor the learned Magistrate concerned, has ensured that any proclamation notice became served, upon, the accused at Canada, hence through the aegis of the Embassy of India, located in Canada -- Petition allowed, and impugned order declaring the petitioner, as a proclaimed offender, as well as subsequent proceedings arising therefrom, become quashed, and set aside.

(Para 8)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 -- Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Sections 302, 148, 149, 506, 201 -- Arms Act, 1959 (54 of 1959), Section 25 – Proclamation Notice – Period of 30 days to appear – Non-providing of -- Quashing of Proclaimed offender order -- Section 82(1) Cr.P.C. mandates that a period of not less than 30 days has to be provided for causing appearance from the date of publication of such proclamation -- Accused was required to appear on 9.11.2020, it was on 23.10.2020 that the proclamation was actually effected -- As on the date when the proclamation was effected i.e. on 23.10.2020, the accused was afforded only 16 days to cause his appearance – Declaration of proclaimed offender order set aside.

(Para 1, 4-6)

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (61 of 1985), Sections 21, 22 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 439 -- NDPS case – Proclaimed offender -- Regular bail -- 5 grams of heroin was recovered from plastic pouch from the petitioner -- Bail was granted to the petitioner, but the petitioner absented from the Court on 20.11.2015 and was arrested on 10.03.2021 and was declared as proclaimed person on 01.03.2016 – Maximum sentence that can be imposed in the aforesaid offence is 6 months and petitioner is in custody for the last more than 3 months -- Keeping in view the nature of offence and maximum sentence prescribed in the offence, Court deemed it appropriate to enlarge the petitioner on regular bail without adverting to the merits of the case.

(Para 2-6)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Sections 379, 411 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 439 – Theft case – Proclaimed person – Regular bail -- Allegations with regard to dishonest receipt of 50 bags of wheat – Petitioner was earlier granted bail by the trial Court, however, he was confined in jail in some other case and after his release, he could not put appearance in the Court and has been declared proclaimed person – Petitioner is in custody for a period of about 06½ months and he has undergone sufficient incarceration for the lapse on his part in absenting from proceedings -- Furthermore, his coaccused has been convicted and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for a period of 08 months and the conclusion of trial is likely to take some time on account of restricted hearing of the Courts due to Covid-19 Pandemic – Sufficient grounds to extend the concession of bail, he is ordered to be released on bail.

(Para 3-7)

Punjab Excise Act, 1914 (Punjab Act 1 of 1914), Sections 61/1/14 -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 438 -- Excise matter – Jump of bail – Proclaimed offender -- Anticipatory bail – Recovery of 40 bottles of liquor from the scooter of the petitioner -- Submitted that the petitioner was granted regular bail, however, he being a professional driver could not appear before the Court on 14.09.2018 and his bail/surety bonds were cancelled and later on, he was declared proclaimed offender on 30.08.2019 – Considering the fact that the petitioner is not involved in any other case and in view of the COVID-19 situation, petition allowed.

(Para 2-5)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 -- Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174-A -- Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 -- Cheque bounce case – Proclaimed person – FIR u/s 174-A IPC -- Impugned FIR is an outcome of the order declaring the petitioner as a proclaimed person in proceedings initiated against him u/s 138 of the NI Act, which stands settled as the complainant has withdrawn the complaint and the proceedings against the accused-petitioner have been dropped -- In such circumstances, the order declaring the petitioner as a proclaimed person as well as the continuation of his prosecution cannot be permitted to continue -- Impugned FIR along with all consequential proceedings emanating therefrom quashed.

(Para 8, 9)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 174-A – Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138/ 142 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 -- Cheque bounce case – Complaint u/s 138/142 of N.I. Act – Proclaimed person – Quashing of FIR u/s 174-A IPC – After notice of accusation, the petitioner did not appear before the ld. Trial Court, he was declared as proclaimed person – Subsequently, the petitioner caused his appearance on the same day and was released on bail – Petitioner settled the dispute with the complainant-Company and the entire amount was paid and the complaint was dismissed as withdrawn – Consequently, petition is allowed and FIR u/s 174-A IPC along with all subsequent proceedings arising therefrom, quashed.

(Para 2-7)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 -- Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Sections 307, 323, 324, 326, 379, 382, 148, 149, 201 – Arms Act, 1959 (54 of 1959), Sections 25, 27 – Order declaring Proclaimed offender – Challenge to – Release on bail -- Objective of the coercive mechanism prescribed under the Code of Criminal Procedure is to ensure that the accused remains present before the Court to receive the orders and punishments as are passed qua the accused -- If the accused shows his sincere intention and desire to appear before the Court, then it would not be unjustified to protect him from being arrested -- Without commenting on the merits of the case, the petition disposed of with a direction to the petitioner to surrender before the trial Court within 10 days -- On doing so, he was ordered to be released on bail.

(Para 11, 12)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 438 -- Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Cheque bounce case -- Proclaimed offender/person – Anticipatory bail -- Complaint u/s 138 of the N.I.Act, whereby the petitioner was declared as proclaimed offender -- Petitioner met with an accident and suffered fracture in his leg and arm, due to which, he could not walk -- He requested his counsel for his exemption, but due to some reason, he could not move appropriate application before the trial court -- Petition disposed of with a direction that, in case, the petitioner surrenders before the trial court within a period of one week, he shall be admitted on bail. Cost of Rs. 10,000/- imposed.

(Para 5, 6)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), Section 304-B, 498-A, 34 -- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82, 482 – Dowry death case – Proclaimed absconder -- Accused was not in India at the time of incident – Contention that service of summons never effected/ co-accused acquitted -- On interim direction petitioner has surrendered before the trial Court, joined the proceedings and has been released on interim bail – As such the purpose for which the proceedings u/s 82 Cr.P.C. have been initiated stand achieved and the petitioner no longer remains an absconder – Bail order made absolute.

(Para 7-11)

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881), Section 138 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Section 82 – Declaration of Proclaimed Person – Challenge to -- Complaint is u/s 138 of the N.I.Act, 1881, which is a bailable offence, petition disposed of with the observation that the petitioner may appear before the learned trial Court on or before 27.01.2021 -- On his doing so, he shall be enlarged on bail by the trial Court subject to his furnishing bail bonds and surety bonds to its satisfaction.

(Para 6)