Meenatchi v. State Rep By

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 12.01.2022

CORAM:

THE HON'BLE MRS.JUSTICE T.V.THAMILSELVI Crl.O.P.No.724 of 2022 1.Meenatchi ... Petitioners 2.S.Saranraj Vs.

State represented by Station House Officer, PEW - Villupuram Police Station, Villupuram District.

Crime No.786 of 2021 ... Respondent Prayer: Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 438 of Cr.P.C., praying to enlarge the petitioners on bail in the event of their arrest in Crime No.786 of 2021, pending investigation on the file of the respondent police.

For Petitioner : Mr.K.Kannan For Respondent : Mr.A.Gokulakrishnan Additional Public Prosecutor

ORDER

(This case has been heard through video conference) The petitioners, who apprehend arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the alleged offences punishable under Sections 4(1) (a), 4(1-A) of Tamilnadu Prohibition Act, in Crime No.786 of 2021, on the file of the respondent police, seek anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that the respondent on their routine rounds, the petitioners and another were standing in a suspicious manner with a bag near the G.R.P. Street. When they saw the respondent police, they run away from the place and left the bag and the respondent police found ID arrack of 40 liters in that bag without valid permit. Hence, the complaint.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners submits that the petitioners are innocent persons and they have not committed any

offence as alleged by the prosecution. However, on instructions, the learned counsel further submits that the petitioners, on their own volition, are ready and willing to contribute a sum of Rs.15,000/- to any Charitable Purpose as may be directed by this Court and he prays for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioners.

4. The learned Additional Public Prosecutor submits that there is no previous case pending against the petitioners. However, he opposed for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioners.

5. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and also considering the submissions made by the both counsel and also the fact that the petitioners have willfully and on their own volition agreed to contribute a sum of Rs.15,000/- for charitable purpose, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioners.

6. Accordingly, the petitioners are ordered to be released on bail in the event of arrest or on their appearance, within a period of fifteen (15) days after lifting of lockdown or the commencement of the Court's normal functioning whichever is earlier, before the learned Judicial Magistrate No.1, Villupuram, Villupuram District on condition that the petitioners shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand Only) each, with two sureties each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the respondent police or the police officer who intends to arrest or to the satisfaction of the learned Magistrate concerned and on further condition that: [a] the petitioners are directed to deposit a sum of Rs.15,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Thousand only) to the Registered Advocate Clerks Association at Villupuram District within a period of fifteen (15) days after lifting of lockdown or the commencement of the Court's normal functioning whichever is earlier and shall produce the said receipt before the Court below;

[b] the petitioners and the sureties shall affix their photographs and left thumb impression in the surety bond and the Court concerned may obtain a copy of their Aadhar card or Bank pass Book to ensure their identity;

[c] the petitioners shall report before the respondent police on every Wednesday at 10.30 a.m. for a period of four weeks and thereafter as and when required for an interrogation; [d] the petitioners shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial;

[e] the petitioners shall not abscond either during investigation or trial;

[f] on breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Magistrate/ Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate action against the petitioner in accordance with law as if the conditions has been imposed and the petitioner is released on bail by the learned Magistrate/Trial Court himself as laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in P.K.Shaji Vs. State of Kerala [(2005) AIR SCW 5560]; and;

[g] if the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 229-A IPC;

-sd/- 12/01/2022 This order, on being produced, be punctually observed and carried into execution by all concerned TRUE COPY Sub-Assistant Registrar (Statistics/C.S.) High Court, Madras - 600 104.

TO 1 THE JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE, NO.I, VILLUPURAM, VILLUPURAM DISTRICT.

2 THE CHIEF JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE VILLUPURAM [FOR INFORMATION] 3 THE STATION HOUSE OFFICER, PEW- VILLUPURAM POLICE STATION, VILLUPURAM DISTRICT.

4 THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR HIGH COURT, MADRAS.

5 THE REGISTERED ADVOCATE CLERK ASSOCIATION, VILLUPURAM DISTRICT.

CC to M/S. K.KANNAN Advocate on payment of necessary charges CRL OP.724/2022 Date :12/01/2022 CSK 21/01/2022