High Court of KeralaSingle JudgeBail granted to the petitioners with specified ...
In the High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam - Bail Applications Nos. 3251 of 2024 & connected cases
Case / Petition Number:BAIL APPL. NO. 3251 OF 2024
Case Details & Bench
- Court
- High Court of Kerala
- Hon'ble Judges
- P. V. Kunhikrishnan
- Judgment Date
- 2024-04-19
- Court Decision / Holding
- Bail applications allowed. The petitioners are to be released on bail on executing bonds of Rs. 50,000 each with two solvent sureties to the satisfaction of the jurisdictional Court. They must appear before the Investigating Officer on all Mondays until final report, cooperate with the investigation, not induce witnesses, not leave India without permission, not commit any similar offence, and surrender their passports (or file an affidavit if none). Violation of any conditions allows the court to cancel bail. The order notes that there are several victims, settlements are sought, and emphasizes balancing the right to fair trial with investigative integrity.
- Final Disposition
- Bail granted to the petitioners with specified conditions.
Parties to the Case
Appellants / Petitioners
- Isaac N.A.
- Abraham N.I.
Respondents
- State of Kerala
Legal Representation & Advocates
Counsels for Petitioners
- • Thomas J. Anakkallunkal
- • Anupa Anna Jose Kandoth
- • Jayaraman S.
- • Dhanya Sunny
- • Ann Milka George
Counsels for Respondents
- • Seena C. PP
Case Synopsis & Summary
These bail applications, before the High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam, arise out of a cluster of crimes registered across multiple police stations (Fort Kochi, Hill Palace, Koothattukulam, Ernakulam Central, Muvattupuzha, Thoppumpady, Kuravilangadu, Ernakulam South) involving accused Nos. 1 and 2, Isaac N.A. and Abraham N.I., who are directors of Nedumpilli Finance Company Limited, an NBFC whose RBI registration was cancelled in November 2022. The prosecution accuses the company of collecting funds from the public as deposits and investments and cheating the defacto complainants under various IPC sections, notably 420, across several cases (crime Nos. 363/2024, 302/2024, 166/2024, 174/2024, 175/2024, 183/2024, 179/2024, 177/2024, 186/2024, 188/2024, 189/2024, 204/2024, 205/2024, 625/2024, 455/2024, 535/2024, 188/2024 Koothattukulam, 433/2024 Ernakulam South). The petitioners contend their NBFC license was validly registered and the RBI cancellation and subsequent appellate orders caused financial distress; they paid interest to depositors up to July 2023 and seek settlement with victims. They urge that bail should be tested in light of the well-settled principle that bail is the rule and jail the exception, citing Supreme Court authority in Chidambaram P. v. Directorate of Enforcement. They request release on bail subject to standard conditions (bond, sureties, surrender of passport, cooperation with investigation) and a willingness to settle. The court acknowledges the large number of victims but emphasizes balancing fair trial rights with investigative needs, ultimately granting bail with stringent conditions to ensure accountability and prevent interference with witnesses while allowing settlement efforts to proceed.
Provisions of Law Cited
Section 439 Cr.P.C.Section 420 IPC
Legal Doctrines & Maxims
- Bail is the rule, jail is the exception.
- Right to a fair trial requires opportunity to secure a fair trial.
Submissions & Arguments
Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners
The petitioners contend that Nedumpilli Finance Company Limited is a properly registered NBFC regulated by RBI, with a valid certificate of registration until the RBI cancelled it in 2022. They highlight that deposits were accepted but interest was paid up to July 2023 and that RBI's cancellation caused substantial financial distress. They point to regulatory history, including interim orders protecting them and various appellate decisions, and argue that bail should be the rule given the right to fair trial and the possibility of settlement with victims. They emphasize the petitioners’ ages (one 73 years) and health, and request release on bail with standard conditions, including surrender of passport and cooperation with investigations, so as not to disrupt settlements already underway. They also propose surrender of any travel documents and regular appearances to facilitate the investigation and protect victims’ interests.
Contentions of Respondents
The State, through the Public Prosecutor, submits that the accused engaged in large‑scale deposit collection and cheating across multiple FIRs (IPC 420 and related sections), affecting numerous victims. They contend that bail would undermine the public interest, enable flight risk, permit interference with witnesses, and hamper ongoing investigations, given the number of victims and the severity of the alleged offences. They argue that stringent conditions should not ordinarily suffice in cases of such gravity and that the court should exercise caution before releasing the accused on bail.
Cited Precedents (1)
| Case Name | Citation | Treatment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chidambaram. P v Directorate of Enforcement | 2019 (16) SCALE 870 | Positive | Cited positively to support the bail principle that bail is the rule and jail the exception, to ensure the accused has an opportunity for a fair trial. |
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Extracted Judgment Text
Exact text extracted from official judgment records.
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN**
**FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 3251 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.363/2024 OF FORT KOCHI POLICE STATION, ERNAKULAM PETITIONERS/ACCUSED NO.1 & 2:**
**1 ISAAC N A AGED 73 YEARS**
**S/O ABRAHAM N I, NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
**2 ABRAHAM N I AGED 43 YEARS S/O ISAAC N A, NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH ANN MILKA GEORGE DHANYA SUNNY JAYARAMAN S.**
## **RESPONDENT/STATE:**
**STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, ERNAKULAM, PIN – 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SMT.SEENA C. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2670/2024, 2674/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
B.A.Nos.3251 of 2024 & connected cases
2
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946**
**BAIL APPL. NO. 2764 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.302/2024 OF HILL PALACE POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ACCUSED 1&2:**
**1 ISAAC N.A., AGED 73 YEARS**
**S/O. N.I. ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL (H), EDAYAR**
**P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662.**
**2 ABRAHAM N.I., AGED 43 YEARS, S/O. ISAAC N.A., NEDUMPILLIL**
**(H), EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL**
**ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH JAYARAMAN S.**
**DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/COMPLAINANT & STATE:**
**STATE OF KERALA,**
**REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
## **SRI. PRASANTH M.P. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2670/2024, 2674/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
B.A.Nos.3251 of 2024 & connected cases
3
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN**
**FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2670 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.166/2024 OF KOOTHATTUKULAM POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ACCUSED NO.1&2:**
**1 ISSAC N. A., AGED 73 YEARS, S/O. N I ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL (H), EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
**2 ABRAHAM N.I., AGED 43 YEARS, S/O. ISAAC N.A., NEDUMPILLIL (H), EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS. THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL JAYARAMAN S. ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/COMPLAINANT/STATE:**
**STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, PIN - 682031.**
**BY ADV.**
**SRI. PRASANTH M.P. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
B.A.Nos.3251 of 2024 & connected cases
4
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN**
**FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2674 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.174/2024 OF KOOTHATTUKULAM POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ACCUSED NO. 1&2:**
**1 ABRAHAM N I AGED 43 YEARS S/O ISAAC N A, NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662 2 ISSAC N. A, AGED 73 YEARS S/O N. I ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA -686662. BY ADVS. THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL JAYARAMAN S. ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH ANN MILKA GEORGE DHANYA SUNNY**
## **RESPONDENT/COMPLAINANT/STATE:**
**STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SRI. PRASANTH M.P. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
B.A.Nos.3251 of 2024 & connected cases
5
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN**
**FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2680 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.175/2024 OF KOOTHATTUKULAM POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ACCUSED NO.1&2:**
- **1 ABRAHAM N.I., AGED 43 YEARS S/O. ISAAC N A, NEDUMPILLIL (H), EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
- **2 ISSAC N. A., AGED 73 YEARS**
- **S/O. N.I. ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL (H), EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL**
**ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH JAYARAMAN S. DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/COMPLAINANT/ STATE:**
**STATE OF KERALA,**
**REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA,, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SRI.PRASANTH M.P. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
B.A.Nos.3251 of 2024 & connected cases
6
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2682 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.183/2024 OF KOOTHATTUKULAM POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ACCUSED NO. 1& 2:**
- **1 ABRAHAM N.I., AGED 43 YEARS S/O. ISSAC N. A., NEDUMPILLIL HOUSE, EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 686662**
- **2 ISSAC N. A., AGED 73 YEARS S/O. N.I. ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL HOUSE, EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL**
**ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH JAYARAMAN S.**
**DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/COMPLAINANT/STATE:**
**STATE OF KERALA,**
**REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SRI. PRASANTH M.P PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
B.A.Nos.3251 of 2024 & connected cases
7
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN**
**FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2683 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.179/2024 OF KOOTHATTUKULAM POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ACCUSED NO. 1&2:**
- **1 ABRAHAM N.I., AGED 43 YEARS S/O. ISAAC N.A., NEDUMPILLIL (H), EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
- **2 ISAAC N.A., AGED 73 YEARS**
- **S/O. N.I. ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL (H), EDAYAR**
- **P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL**
**ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH JAYARAMAN S. DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/STATE & COMPLAINANT:**
**STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SMT.SEENA C. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
B.A.Nos.3251 of 2024 & connected cases
8
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN**
**FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2689 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.204/2024 OF ERNAKULAM CENTRAL POLICE STATION, ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONER/ACCUSED:**
**ABRAHAM N.A.,**
**AGED 43 YEARS**
**S/O. ISSAC N.A., NEDUMPILLIL HOUSE, EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH JAYARAMAN S. DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/COMPLAINANT & STATE:**
**STATE OF KERALA,**
**REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SMT.SEENA C. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
B.A.Nos.3251 of 2024 & connected cases
9
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN**
**FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946**
**BAIL APPL. NO. 2690 OF 2024 CRIME NO.177/2024 OF KOOTHATTUKULAM POLICE STATION, ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ACCUSED NO. 1 & 2:**
**1 ABRAHAM N I AGED 43 YEARS, S/O ISAAC N A, NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
- **2 ISAAC N A AGED 73 YEARS, S/O N I ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL**
**ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH JAYARAMAN S. DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/STATE & COMPLAINANT:**
**STATE OF KERALA**
**REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR,HIGH COURT OF KERALA, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SRI.PRASANTH M.P. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
B.A.Nos.3251 of 2024 & connected cases
10
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2691 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.188/2024 OF KOOTHATTUKULAM POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ACCUSED NO. 1 & 2:**
**1 ABRAHAM N.I., AGED 43 YEARS, S/O. ISAAC N.A, NEDUMPILLIL HOUSE, EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 686662**
**2 ISSAC N.A.,**
**AGED 73 YEARS, S/O. ABRAHAM N.A., NEDUMPILLIL HOUSE, EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL**
**JAYARAMAN S.**
**ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/COMPLAINANT & STATE:**
**STATE OF KERALA,**
**REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SMT.SEENA C. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
B.A.Nos.3251 of 2024 & connected cases
11
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN**
**FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2693 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.186/2024 OF KOOTHATTUKULAM POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ACCUSED NO.1& 2:**
**1 ABRAHAM N I**
**AGED 43 YEARS, S/O. ISSAC N A, NEDUMPILLIL HOUSE, EDAYAR P.O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 686662**
**2 ISSAC N A**
**AGED 73 YEARS, S/O. N.I. ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL HOUSE, EDAYAR P.O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH JAYARAMAN S.**
**DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/ COMPLAINANT & STATE:**
**STATE OF KERALA**
**REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SMT.SEENA C. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
B.A.Nos.3251 of 2024 & connected cases
12
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2695 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.180/2024 OF KOOTHATTUKULAM POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ ACCUSED NO.1&2:**
**1 ISAAC N.A., AGED 73 YEARS, S/O. N.I. ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
**2 ABRAHAM N.I., AGED 43 YEARS, S/O. ISAAC N.A., NEDUMPILLIL**
**(H), EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH JAYARAMAN S. DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/STATE & COMPLAINANT:**
**STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SMT.SEENA C. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
B.A.Nos.3251 of 2024 & connected cases
13
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2696 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.188/2024 OF KURAVILANGADU POLICE STATION,**
## **KOTTAYAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ ACCUSED NO. 1,2 &3:**
- **1 ISSAC N.A., AGED 73 YEARS, S/O. N.I. ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL (H), EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
- **2 ABRAHAM N.I., AGED 43 YEARS, S/O. ISAAC N.A., NEDUMPILLIL (H), EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
- **3 ANEESHA ABRAHAM, AGED 40 YEARS W/O. ABRAHAM N I, NEDUMPILLIL (H), EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662 BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL**
- **JAYARAMAN S.**
**ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/ COMPLAINANT & STATE:**
**STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SRI. PRASANTH M.P. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
B.A.Nos.3251 of 2024 & connected cases
14
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN**
**FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2712 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.185/2024 OF KOOTHATTUKULAM POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ ACCUSED NO. 1&2:**
- **1 ABRAHAM N I, AGED 43 YEARS S/O ISAAC N A, NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
- **2 ISSAC N. A, AGED 73 YEARS, S/O N I ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL**
**JAYARAMAN S. ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/ COMPLAINANT & STATE:**
## **STATE OF KERALA**
**REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SRI. PRASANTH M.P. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION**
**ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
B.A.Nos.3251 of 2024 & connected cases
15
## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2714 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.189/2024 OF KOOTHATTUKULAM POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ACCUSED NO. 1&2:**
- **1 ABRAHAM N.I, AGED 43 YEARS S/O ISAAC N.A, NEDUMPILLIL HOUSE, EDAYAR P.O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 686662**
- **2 ISAAC N A, AGED 73 YEARS**
- **S/O N.I ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL HOUSE, EDAYAR P.O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH JAYARAMAN S. DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/ STATE & COMPLAINANT:**
## **STATE OF KERALA**
**REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR,HIGH COURT OF KERALA, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SRI. PRASANTH M.P. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION**
**ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
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## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN**
**FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2719 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.205/2024 OF ERNAKULAM CENTRAL POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ ACCUSED NO.1&2:**
- **1 ABRAHAM N.I.,AGED 43 YEARS S/O. ISAAC N.A., NEDUMPILLIL (H), EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
- **2 ISSAC N. A.,AGED 73 YEARSS/O. N. I. ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL (H), EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH JAYARAMAN S. DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/ COMPLAINANT & STATE:**
## **STATE OF KERALA,**
**REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SMT.SEENA C. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION**
**ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
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## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2765 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.625/2024 OF ERNAKULAM CENTRAL POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ ACCUSED NO.1&2:**
- **1 ABRAHAM N I, AGED 43 YEARS ,S/O ISAAC N A, NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
- **2 ISAAC N A, AGED 73 YEARS S/O N I ABRAHAM, , NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662 BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH JAYARAMAN S. DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/ STATE & COMPLAINANT:**
## **STATE OF KERALA**
**REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR,HIGH COURT OF KERALA, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SMT.SEENA C. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
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## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946**
**BAIL APPL. NO. 2766 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.535/2024 OF THOPPUMPADY POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ ACCUSED NO 1&2:**
**1 ISAAC N.A.,AGED 73 YEARS S/O. N.I. ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL (H), EDAYAR**
- **P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
- **2 ABRAHAM N.I.,AGED 43 YEARS**
- **S/O. ISAAC N.A., NEDUMPILLIL (H), EDAYAR P.O., KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH JAYARAMAN S.**
**DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/ COMPLAINANT & STATE:**
**STATE OF KERALA,**
**REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SRI. PRASANTH M.P. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION**
**ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
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## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 2770 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.455/2024 OF MUVATTUPUZHA POLICE STATION,**
## **ERNAKULAM**
## **PETITIONERS/ACCUSED NO 1&2:**
- **1 ISAAC N A, AGED 73 YEARS S/O N I ABRAHAM, NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
- **2 ABRAHAM N I, AGED 43 YEARS S/O ISAAC N A, NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
**BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL**
**JAYARAMAN S.**
3
- **ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT/STATE:**
## **STATE OF KERALA**
**REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SRI. PRASANTH M.P. PP**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
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## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM**
## **PRESENT**
**THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN**
**FRIDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF APRIL 2024 / 30TH CHAITHRA, 1946 BAIL APPL. NO. 3358 OF 2024**
**CRIME NO.433/2024 OF Ernakulam South Police Station,**
## **Ernakulam**
## **PETITIONER(S)/ACCUSED NO.1 & 2:**
- **1 ABRAHAM N I, AGED 43 YEARS S/O ISAAC N A, NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662**
- **2 ISAAC N A, AGED 73 YEARS S/O N I ABRAHAM,NEDUMPILLIL (H) EDAYAR P O, KOOTHATTUKULAM, ERNAKULAM, KERALA, PIN - 686662 BY ADVS.**
**THOMAS J.ANAKKALLUNKAL JAYARAMAN S. ANUPA ANNA JOSE KANDOTH DHANYA SUNNY ANN MILKA GEORGE**
## **RESPONDENT(S)/STATE & COMPLAINANT:**
**STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT OF KERALA, PIN – 682031**
**BY ADV.**
**SRI.M.P.PRASANTH, PUBLIC PROSECUTOR**
**THIS BAIL APPLICATION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION**
**ON 19.04.2024, ALONG WITH Bail Appl..2764/2024 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:**
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## **P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN, J**
## **--------------------------------**
B.A.Nos. 2764, 2670, 2674, 2680, 2682, 2683, 2689, 2690, 2691, 2693, 2695, 2696, 2712, 2714, 2719, 2765, 2766, 2770, 3251 & 3358 of 2024
**------------------------------Dated this the 19[th] day of April, 2024**
## **O R D E R**
These Bail Applications are filed under Section 439 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.)
2. The petitioners in these cases are accused in Crime No.363/2024 of Fort Cochin Police Station, Crime No.302/2024 of Hill Palace Police Station, Crime Nos.166/2024, 174/2024, 175/2024, 183/2024, 179/2024, 177/2024, 186/2024, 180/2024, 185/2024, 188/2024 & 189/2024 of Koothattukulam Police Station, Crime Nos.204/2024, 205/2024 & 625/2024 of Ernakulam
Central Police Station, Crime No.455/2024 of Muvattupuzha Police Station, Crime No.535/2024 of Thoppumpady Police Station, Crime No.188/2024 of Kuravilangadu Police Station and Crime No.433/2024 of
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Ernakulam South Police Station. Different cases are registered against the petitioners in these cases mainly alleging offences punishable under Sections 420 IPC.
3. The prosecution case in brief is as follows:
The petitioners being the Chairman and Managing Director of Nedumpilli Finance, with the intention to cheat and to make unlawful gain from the defacto complainants in these cases, received huge amount as deposit for a period of 5 years and cheated the defacto complainants without returning the deposit amount and its interest. Hence it is alleged that the accused committed the afore said offences.
4. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and
the learned Public Prosecutor.
5. The learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that the petitioners' company is a non-banking financial company (NBFC) namely Nedumpilli Finance Company Limited, incorporated on 30.12.1996 as evident by Annexure A2. It is submitted that the company is having
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validly registered license and is working under the supervision of the RBI. It is also submitted that, as per the license conditions, regulations and rules issued by the RBI in respect of working of NBFC's, the company is permitted to collect funds, permit investments from the public by way of financial instruments like Debentures, Preference Shares and Subordinate debt. The petitioners admit the deposits made by the defacto complainants in almost all the cases. It is also submitted that the petitioners paid a prominent amount as interest till July 2023. According to the petitioners, due to an audit finding report by the RBI, the RBI cancelled the company's certificate of registration as a Non-Banking Financial Institution as per an order dated 17.11.2022. Annexure A3 is the copy of the letter dated 22.11.2022 issued by the RBI cancelling the certificate of registration of the petitioners' company. Challenging the order of the RBI, it is submitted that the petitioners preferred a Writ petition before this Court and this Court was pleased to
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pass an interim order stating that, no coercive steps shall be taken against the petitioners. Annexure A4 is the order. It is also submitted that the petitioners preferred an appeal before the Appellate Authority, Ministry of Finance, Government of India and the same was dismissed by the Appellate Authority upholding the finding of the RBI. Challenging the above order, the petitioners filed W.P.(C)No.23932/2023 before this Court and the order passed by the Appellate Authority is stayed as evident by Annexure A5 order is the submission. It is submitted that the cancellation of the certificate of registration by the RBI caused a huge impact on the financial management of the company. It is submitted that, even after that the petitioners paid interest on the deposit to the customers till July, 2023. The petitioners were arrested on 08.03.2024 and they were in custody from that day onwards. It is submitted that, one of the petitioner is aged 73 years and he is suffering from different ailments.
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6. The learned Public Prosecutor opposed the Bail application and submitted that the petitioners cheated several persons and this Court may not release them on bail.
7. This Court considered the contentions of the petitioners and the Public Prosecutor. It is true that there are several victims in these cases. The petitioners admit that they have collected fund from the defacto complainants in these cases and because of the financial problem, the same was not disbursed. This Court perused the orders passed by this Court in the Writ petitions also. The petitioners submitted that they are trying to settle the entire issue with the defacto complainants in these cases. If that be the case, the continued detention of the petitioners may not help anybody. There can be a direction to the petitioners to surrender their passport, if any, before the court below and the petitioners can be released on bail after imposing stringent conditions.
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8. Moreover, it is a well accepted principle that the bail is the rule and the jail is the exception. The Hon'ble Supreme Court in **Chidambaram. P v Directorate of Enforcement** (2019 (16) SCALE 870), after considering all the earlier judgments, observed that, the basic jurisprudence relating to bail remains the same inasmuch as the grant of bail is the rule and refusal is the exception so as to ensure that the accused has the opportunity of securing fair trial.
9. Considering the dictum laid down in the above
decision and considering the facts and circumstances of this case, these Bail Applications are allowed with the following directions:
1. Petitioners shall be released on bail on executing a bond for Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) each with two solvent sureties each for the like sum to the satisfaction of the jurisdictional Court.
2. Petitioners shall appear before the
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Investigating Officer for interrogation as and when required. The petitioners shall co-operate with the investigation and shall not, directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case so as to dissuade them from disclosing such facts to the Court or to any police officer.
3. Petitioners shall not leave India without
permission of the jurisdictional Court.
4. Petitioners shall not commit an offence similar to the offence of which they are accused, or suspected, of the commission of which they are suspected.
5. Petitioners shall appear before the investigating officer on all Mondays till final report is filed.
6. Petitioners shall surrender their passport before the Jurisdictional court. If there is no passport, they will file an affidavit to that effect
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before the Jurisdictional court.
7. If any of the above conditions are violated by the petitioners, the jurisdictional Court can cancel the bail in accordance to law, even though the bail is granted by this Court.
Sd/-
**P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN JUDGE**
DM