Grounds for suspension of sentence under Sec.389(1) of CRPC/Section 430(1) of BNSS Act.

Grounds for suspension of sentence under Sec.389(1) of CRPC/Section 430(1) of BNSS Act.
 

Section 389 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)/ Section 430(1) of BNSS Act allow, appellate court to suspend the execution of a sentence and grant bail to the accused during the pendency of an appeal. The following are the grounds for suspension of sentence under Section 389 CrPC, supported by relevant judgments:
 

1. Prima Facie Case in Favor of the Accused

If the appellate court finds a prima facie case in favor of the accused or serious doubts arise regarding the correctness of the conviction, it may suspend the sentence.Case Law: Kashmira Singh v. State of Punjab (1977 AIR 2147)
The Supreme Court held that in cases where there is a long delay in the hearing of an appeal, and there are arguable points in favor of the accused, the sentence can be suspended.

 2. Delay in Disposal of Appeal

A significant delay in the disposal of the appeal is a valid ground for suspension of sentence, especially if the accused is already in custody.
Case Law: Bhagirath v. Delhi Administration (1985 AIR 1050)
The Supreme Court held that undue delay in the disposal of an appeal can be a ground for suspension of the sentence to prevent injustice to the accused.

 3. Health or Humanitarian Grounds

If the accused is suffering from serious medical issues or has family responsibilities that warrant immediate attention, the court may suspend the sentence.
Case Law: Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1980 AIR 1369)
The court emphasized the importance of humane treatment of prisoners, including considerations for their health and well-being.
 

4. Possibility of the Appeal Succeeding

The appellate court may examine whether the appeal has a reasonable chance of succeeding based on the merits of the case.
Case Law: Babu Singh v. State of UP (1978 AIR 527)
The court held that suspension of sentence can be granted if there are grounds to believe that the appeal might succeed.

 5. Nature and Gravity of the Offense

The seriousness of the offense and the sentence awarded play a significant role. In cases of minor offenses or short sentences, courts are more inclined to suspend the sentence.
Case Law: State of Maharashtra v. Anand Mohan Sinha (1987 SCR (2) 340)
The court held that the nature and gravity of the offense must be considered while granting suspension of sentence.

6. Good Conduct of the Accused

If the accused has demonstrated good behavior during the trial and incarceration, the court may consider suspending the sentence.
Case Law: Akhtari Bi v. State of MP (2001 (4) SCC 355)
The court noted that the good conduct of the accused during the pendency of the appeal is a valid consideration for suspension.

 7. No Likelihood of Absconding

If the accused can demonstrate that they will not abscond and will cooperate with the court proceedings, suspension of sentence may be granted.
Case Law: Amar Nath v. State of Haryana (1977 AIR 2185)
The court emphasized the necessity of ensuring that the accused does not misuse their liberty if the sentence is suspended.

 8. Protection of Fundamental Rights

If continued imprisonment infringes upon the fundamental rights of the accused, suspension of the sentence may be warranted.
Case Law: Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration (1980 AIR 1579)
The court stressed the protection of personal liberty as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Mahantesh.G
Advocate, High Court of Karnataka,
Bangalore

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