2023 SCMR 1948
As per the contents of the crime report, the complainant was an iron merchant. The petitioner purchased iron worth Rs.47,00,000/- from the complainant and gave two cheques amounting to Rs.500,000/- each to him. However, when the cheques were presented to the Bank, they were dishonoured. However, it is the stance of the petitioner that the petitioner and the complainant had started a business and the cheques in question were given as a guarantee and the same were not issued towards repayment of loan or fulfillment of an obligation within the meaning of Section 489-F PPC. The petitioner has placed on record a copy of the suit for rendition of accounts filed by him against the defendant before the Civil Court. A bare perusal of the same shows that the parties were probably running a business and the cheques were given as a surety and the same were not meant for enacashment. We have noted that the cheques in question are of the year 2019 and according to the crime report the same were dishnoured in the year 2019. If that be so, we are unable to understand as to why the complainant kept quite for three years and did not lodge the FIR on time. This prima facie supports the stance taken by the petitioner. Even otherwise, even if the complainant wants to recover his money, Section 489-F of PPC is not a provision which is intended by the Legislature to be used for recovery of an alleged amount. In view of the above, the question whether the cheques were issued towards repayment of loan or fulfillment of an obligation within the meaning of Section 489-F PPC is a question, which would be resolved by the learned Trial Court after recording of evidence. The maximum punishment provided under the statute for the offence under Section 489-F PPC is three years and the same does not fall within the prohibitory clause of Section 497 Cr.P.C. It is settled law that grant of bail in the offences not falling within the prohibitory clause is a rule and refusal is an exception. This Court in a number of cases has held that liberty of a person is a precious right which cannot be taken away without exceptional foundations. We have been informed that all the material is in documentary shape; the investigation is complete and the petitioner is no more required for further investigation. So far as the argument of the learned Law Officer about the absconsion of the petitioner is concerned, it is settled law that absconsion cannot be viewed as a proof for the offence and the same alone cannot be made a ground to discard the relief sought for. Reliance is placed on Rasool Muhammad Vs. Asal Muhammad (PLJ 1995 SC 477) & Muhammad Tasaweer Vs. Hafiz Zulkarnain (PLD 2009 SC 53). Taking into consideration all the facts and circumstances stated above, we are of the view that the petitioner has made out a prima facie case for grant of pre-arrest bail.
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