Summary: M. Shankar catches a break as the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court lowers his penalty deposit from 15% to 5% in a check case. Judge Victoria Gowri made the decision on 4th December 2025.
M. Shankar was found guilty by the Judicial Magistrate No.I in Dindigul for a bounced check under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. On 25th August 2025, he was sentenced to six months in jail and told to pay Rs. 50 lakhs as compensation.
"M. Shankar was found guilty and sentenced to six months in jail."
M. Shankar challenged this decision. On 6th November 2025, the Principal Sessions Judge in Dindigul accepted the appeal but required M. Shankar to pay 15% of the check amount by 4th December 2025.
"The Principal Sessions Judge asked for a deposit of 15% of the check amount."
M. Shankar's lawyer argued that he couldn't arrange the deposit because he had been in jail until the decision. They referred to a previous case where the court didn't automatically require a deposit.
"He couldn't gather any money for the compensation deposit."
Judge L. Victoria Gowri looked over the appeal. She noted that M. Shankar had been in jail until the decision. On 4th December 2025, she reduced the deposit requirement to 5% and ordered the appeal to be finished quickly.
"M. Shankar must deposit 5% of the check amount within four weeks."
The court decided to reduce the financial burden on M. Shankar, giving him more time and a smaller amount to pay as he continues his appeal. The case is expected to be resolved soon, considering the age of T. Raja Chidambaram.
"The appeal should be resolved within a month, considering T. Raja Chidambaram is an older individual."
