AJITSINH CHEHUJI RATHOD VS. STATE OF GUJARAT

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AJITSINH CHEHUJI RATHOD VS. STATE OF GUJARAT

CITATION- 2024 INSC 63

DATE OF JUDGMENT- FEBRUARY 29, 2024.

COURT- THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

APPELLANT- AJITSINH CHEHUJI RATHOD

RESPONDENT- STATE OF GUJARAT & ANR

BENCH- B.R. GAVAI, SANDEEP MEHTA

INTRODUCTION

The case of Ajitsinh Chehuji Rathod v. State of Gujarat revolves around accusations of an offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. Ajitsinh Chehuji Rathod, the appellant, was accused of issuing a cheque worth Rs. 10 lakhs to Shri Mahadevsinh Cahndaasinh Champavat, which was dishonored due to insufficient funds and a dormant account. During the trial proceedings, the appellant sought to introduce additional evidence by requesting a comparison of signatures on the cheque by a handwriting expert. However, this application was rejected by the trial court. Various efforts were made to challenge this decision through judicial avenues, including an appeal to the Principal Sessions Judge and an application to the High Court, the appellant’s requests for additional evidence were consistently denied. When, the matter reached the Supreme Court, the appellant appealed the rejection of his application for additional evidence. However, the Supreme Court, after thorough consideration of the submissions and examination of the orders given by various courts of law, found no merit in the appeal and upheld the decisions of the lower courts. The case underlines important legal principles and aspects regarding the admissibility of additional evidence and the court’s role in ensuring the transparent and fair administration of justice.

FACTS OF THE CASE

Ajitsinh Chehuji Rathod was accused under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
A cheque of Rs. 10 lakh was issued to Mahadevsinh Cahndaasinh Champavat, by the appellant which bounced due to insufficient funds and a dormant account.
During the trial, a request was initiated by Rathod to send the cheque to a handwriting expert for signature verification, alleging forgery.
The trial court denied Rathod’s request, as it was thought to be an attempt to delay proceedings.
Rathod proceeded to appeal his conviction.
During the appeal, Rathod sought additional evidence, including the opinion of a handwriting expert and testimony from a postal officer regarding non-receipt of a notice under Section 138. The requests were rejected by the Principal Sessions Judge and the High Court.
Initially the Supreme Court, after considering the submissions, affirmed the lower courts’ decisions. The emphasis was made on Rathod’s failure to adequately present evidence during the initial trial.

ISSUE RAISED

Whether the appellant, accused of an offense under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, had the right to present additional evidence during the appeal stage, regarding the authenticity of the signatures on the cheque involved in the case?

CONTENTIONS OF APPELLANT

The main argument posed by the appellant was whether he should have the opportunity to present additional evidence during the appeal stage. As he sought to introduce evidence regarding the authenticity of the signatures on the cheque involved in the case.
The appellant argued that this additional evidence was crucial for challenging the assumption of genuineness in negotiable instruments such as cheques.
The emphasis was made on the importance of allowing the accused to rebut such presumptions with appropriate evidence.
The appellant highlighted their right to a fair trial and due process, which includes the ability to present relevant evidence to support their defence.
Another argument posed was that denying them the opportunity to introduce additional evidence would undermine and infringe their ability to effectively challenge the allegations against them.
Hence, the appellant sought the court’s permission to present the evidence they deemed necessary to contest the charges and ensure a free and fair trial.

CONTENTIONS OF RESPONDENT

The main contention from appellant’s side was the request for additional evidence during appeal stage lacked merit.
Another argument posed that the trial court had already considered the appellant’s plea regarding the authenticity of the signatures on the cheque.
According to the respondent, the trial court had to reject the appellant’s application for sending the cheque to a handwriting expert, considering it a delay tactic. The respondent asserted that the appellant had ample opportunity during the trial to present evidence regarding the disputed signatures but failed to do so.
The main emphasis was that the trial court’s decision had attained finality as it was not challenged further by the appellant.
They pointed out that the appellant did not cross-examine the bank official regarding the signatures during the trial.
The respondent contended that the appellant’s allegations regarding the notice under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act should be examined based on the evidence available on record.
Hence, the respondent argued against the appellant’s plea for additional evidence during the appeal stage, stating that it lacked justification and was an attempt to delay the legal proceedings.

JUDGEMENT

The court stated that it is tenacious to introduce new evidence during appeals unless there’s a really good reason. They stressed that when it comes to cheques and similar negotiable instruments, there’s usually a belief of genuineness unless there’s proof otherwise. They pointed out that the appellant had already tried to argue about the signatures on the cheque in the trial court, but it didn’t work out. The court thought there wasn’t enough reason to dig up the issue again in the appeal. Therefore, the court found insufficient grounds to justify the need for additional evidence during the appeal. In dismissing the appeal, the court upheld the decisions of the lower courts, emphasizing the importance of procedural adherence and the burden of proof in criminal proceedings. Pending applications related to the case were directed to be disposed of accordingly. The judgment favoured the respondent, which means the State of Gujarat and the complainant in the case emerged victorious. The appellant, Ajitsinh Chehuji Rathod, did not succeed in overturning the decisions of the lower courts.

ANALYSIS

The decision taken by the supreme court in this case demonstrates a strict adherence to procedural rules and legal principles, particularly regarding the presentation of evidence and the burden of proof. By emphasizing the importance of timely pursuit of evidence during trial, the court underscores the need for parties to actively engage in the legal processes. The court’s interpretation of the law regarding negotiable instruments highlights the assumption of genuineness, which places the burden on the accused to provide evidence to the contrary. The court’s refusal to entertain new evidence at the appellate stage without exceptional circumstances reflects procedural fairness and transparency towards the finality of trial court decisions. Overall, the court’s analysis reaffirms the fundamental principles of the legal system while ensuring a balanced approach to justice.

CONCLUSION

The case revolves around an appeal by Ajitsinh Chehuji Rathod, who was accused under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act for dishonouring a cheque issued to Mahadevsinh Cahndaasinh Champavat. During the trial, Rathod’s request to send the cheque to a handwriting expert was denied, and he was convicted. On appeal, Rathod sought to introduce additional evidence, including comparing signatures and questioning the delivery of a notice. However, the court rejected these requests, emphasizing the presumption of genuineness in negotiable instruments and the accused’s responsibility to rebut it with appropriate evidence. The court also noted Rathod’s failure to question a bank witness during the trial regarding the signatures on the cheque. Furthermore, the appeal was dismissed, affirming the lower court’s decision. The judgment highlights the importance of following procedural rules and timely presenting evidence during trial, at the same time upholding the legal principles and aspects governing negotiable instruments.

REFERENCES

This is written by Nyasa Tahim, student of Vivekananda Institute of professional studies (VIPS); Intern at Legal Vidhya.

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