46 2012 Ylr 2748
46 2012 Ylr 2748
46 2012 Ylr 2748
[Peshawar]
MUHAMMAD IMRAN---Petitioner
versus
Criminal Miscellaneous Bail Application No.112 of 2012, decided on 28th May, 2012.
Muhammad Siddique v. Imtiaz Begum 2002 SCMR 442 and Shameel Ahmed v. The
State 2009 SCMR 174 rel.
----S. 497---Bail---Offence not falling within the prohibitory clause of S. 497, Cr.P.C---Right to
bail---Rule---Scope---Grant of bail in such like cases was not a rule of universal application---
Each case merited decision on the basis of its own facts and circumstances.
Muhammad Siddique v. Imtiaz Begum 2002 SCMR 442 and Shameel Ahmed v. The
State 2009 SCMR 174 rel.
JUDGMENT
2. According to the F.I.R. lodged by the complainant Malik Muhammad Ramzan, he was
on friendly terms with Muhammad Imran who owed him Rs.12,50,000. On demand, the
accused/petitioner gave him, a Cheque bearing No. 318751 dated 28-11-2011 for an
amount of Rs.12,50,000 of National Bank of Pakistan, main Branch D.I.Khan of his Account
No.3272-8 in the presence of witnesses, namely, Sheikh Atiq-ur-Rahman and Ilahi Bakhsh. The
said cheque was deposited on 29-11-2011 by the complainant in Habib Bank D.I.Khan in his
account but subsequently it came to light that there was no amount in the said account of the
accused/petitioner, hence F.I.R. ibid.
3. Learned counsel for the petitioner argued that the accused/petitioner is a Government
servant and there is every possibility that his service career would be endangered if he is not
released on bail. He urged that though the complainant had allegedly advanced a huge amount of
Rs.12,50,000 to the accused/petitioner, but there is no written proof in this respect on
the record. He submitted that the offence in hand does not fall within the
prohibitory clause of section 497, Cr.P.C.; that investigation in the case is complete and the
accused/ petitioner is no more required for the same; that the case is one of further inquiry and
thus the petitioner is entitled to be released on bail.
4. On the other hand, the learned Deputy Advocate-General representing the State assisted
by the learned counsel for the complainant opposed the grant of bail to the accused/petitioner on
the grounds, inter alia, that he is directly charged by the complainant for committing the offence;
that the cheque issued in favour of the complainant by the accused/petitioner was dishonoured
for want of the required amount and that the offence being of a heinous nature disentitles him to
the concession of bail.
6. Admittedly, the accused/petitioner had issued Cheque No. 318751 dated 28-11-2011
for a sum of Rs.12,50,000 in the name of the complainant, Muhammad Ramzan which was
dishonoured by the National Bank of Pakistan, main Branch D.I.Khan for want of the requisite
amount in his account. The record further shows that after the occurrence, the accused/ petitioner
had remained fugitive from law for a sufficiently long and unexplained period which shows his
mala fide in the occurrence. Except for evasive and bald assertions, there is no denial as such on
the part of the petitioner regarding his account at National Bank of Pakistan, Main Branch
D.I.Khan in the first hand, and the issuance of cheque favouring the complainant on the other.
7. Though the offence for which the accused/petitioner is charged does not attract the
prohibitory limb of section 497, Cr.P.C, but he cannot per se be held entitled to the concession of
bail on this score alone. Grant of bail in like manner cases is not a rule of universal application.
Each case merits decision on the basis of its own facts and circumstances. Reliance in this
respect may advantageously be placed on 2002 SCMR 442 (Muhammad Siddique v. Imtiaz
Begum and 2 others) and 2009 SCMR 174 (Shameel Ahmed v. The State).
8. The issuance of cheques which are in turn dishonoured is the latest affliction which has
crept into our society. If this tendency with its menacing speed goes unchecked, it would lead to
the erosion of the trust among the ordinary people, which indeed is the hallmark of our social
fabric. Moreover, no one is supposed to commit the financial murder of another member of the
society.
9. Tentative assessment of the materials so far brought on record, prima facie, connects the
accused/petitioner with the commission of the offence. The application is, therefore, dismissed.
Since the prosecution has already put in court complete challan of the case, therefore, the learned
trial Judge is directed to conclude the trial of the petitioner within four months positively after
receipt of case file.
10. Any observations made in this order are tentative in nature which shall not prejudice the
mind of the learned trial Judge during trial.