
Delhi High Court Justice Girish Kathpalia upheld probation for a 67-year-old man convicted of cheating after a 15-year trial beginning in 2011. The court ruled probation is the default rule, with denial requiring special reasons proving reformation is impossible. The neighbour-petitioner had received Rs 6.50 lakh compensation. The appellate court rejected the plea to impose three-year imprisonment, citing age and prolonged legal proceedings.