Man let off on probation in decade old theft case

A court here has let off a man on probation in a case of car theft, noting that he faced trial for around ten years and "appears to have reformed himself and rehabilitated in society."
Additional Session Judge Raj Kumar Tripathi let off Delhi resident Mohammad Yunus of charges of receiving a stolen car in 2004, saying that he had already remained in custody in this case for around 20 days.
"Appellant (Yunus) has already faced the agony of trial before the trial court for around ten years. He is reported to be the first time offender and sole bread earner of his family comprising his mother, wife and two minor school-going children. Yunus appears to have reformed himself and rehabilitated in society.

"Keeping in view the aforesaid facts into account, this court is of the considered view that interest of justice shall be subserved, if appellant instead of being directed to undergo imprisonment, is released on probation," the court said.
Yunus had approached the sessions court against the order of a trial court by which he was sent to jail for six months for the offence committed under section 411 (dishonestly receiving stolen property) of IPC.
According to the prosecution, a complaint was registered on May 24, 2004, regarding theft of a car.

The car was recovered from the possession of Yunus on May 25, 2004. He was, therefore, arrested for offence under section 379 (theft) and 411 (dishonestly receiving stolen property) of IPC.

The trial court, however, framed the charge against Yunus for the offence under section 411 IPC to which he pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.
The trial court had, on November 24 last year, sentenced Yunis to undergo rigorous imprisonment for six months and to pay a fine of Rs 1,000 for the offence under section 411 IPC.