Mohammed Shakeel Ahmed, v. State Of Telangana,

THE HONOURABLE JUSTICE G. SRI DEVI CRIMINAL PETITION No.5420 of 2019 ORDER:

This Criminal Petition, under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, is filed by petitioner/accused, seeking to grant anticipatory bail in Cr.No.2736 of 2019 on the file of APTS Police Station, Ranga Reddy District, registered for the offence under Section 135(a) of Electricity Act, 2003. 2.

Heard learned counsel for the petitioner/accused, learned Additional Public Prosecutor representing the respondent-State and perused the record.

3.

It is alleged in the complaint that during inspection by the electricity authorities on 08.02.2019, they found that the petitioner had indulged in theft of electricity by using it for domestic purpose and that the total connected load at the time of inspection was found to be 3519 walts, causing loss to a tune of Rs.30,693/- to the TSSPDCL.

4.

Learned counsel for the petitioner/accused submits that the petitioner is a School Teacher having respect in the society and he has not involved in such offences and that as per the directions of the Electricity Department, he paid the fine amount of Rs.15,259/-. He further submits that the petitioner is a law abiding citizen without any criminal antecedents and he is ready to abide by the conditions imposed by this Court.

5.

Learned Additional Public Prosecutor opposed the bail application and contended that earlier also the petitioner had

indulged in electricity theft and he is habitual offender and hence, he is not entitled for anticipatory bail.

6.

In view of the nature of allegations leveled against the petitioner and this the second offence committed by him, this Court is not inclined to grant anticipatory bail to him and his prayer for anticipatory bail is refused. However, if the petitioner/accused surrenders before the trial Court within 15 days from today and moves an application for bail, the trial Court shall consider the same in accordance with law on the same day.

7.

With the above directions, the Criminal Petition is dismissed. 8.

Miscellaneous applications, if any pending in this criminal petition, shall stand dismissed.

_____________ G. SRI DEVI, J 12th September, 2019 sj