Sridhar v. The State Rep.By, The Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 07.01.2025

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA 1.Sridhar ...Petitioner in Crl.O.P.No.159 of 2025 2.Nathiya ... Petitioner in Crl.O.P.No.162 of 2025 Vs.

The State represented by, The Inspector of Police, P-6, Kodungaiyur Police Station, Chennai District.

(Crime No.828 of 2024).

... Respondent COMMON PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, pleased to enlarge the petitioners on bail, in connection with Crime No.828 of 2024, pending investigation on the file of the respondent Police.

For Petitioners :

Mr.P.Muthamizhselvakumar in Crl.O.P.No.159 of 2024 Mr.G.Ezhilbalaji in Crl.O.P.No.162 of 2024 For Respondent :

Mr.Leonard Arul Joseph Selvam Government Advocate (Crl.Side) 1/6

COMMON ORDER Petition seeking bail in respect of Crime No.828 of 2024 registered for the offences punishable under Sections 8(c) and Section 20(b)(ii)(C), 25, 29(1) of NDPS Act, is on board for consideration.

2. The incarceration of the petitioners/A6 & A8 being from 24.11.2024 and 25.11.2024 respectively, pleading innocence on the part of the petitioners and false implication in the case, learned counsel for the petitioners seek indulgence of this Court. He submits that the petitioners were implicated based on the confession statement of the co-accused. He further submits that the petitioners/A6 & A8, without prejudice to the defence and contention, are ready and willing to deposit a sum of Rs.5,000/- each, to any welfare scheme of the Government or any other organization. He further submits that the petitioners are ready to abide by any stringent condition that may be imposed by this court.

3. The case of the prosecution as putforth by the learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) appearing for the respondent police, opposing for grant of bail, is that the petitioners along with another accused was found to be in illegal possession of 21,900 grams of ganja. He further submits that A8 / the petitioner in 2/6

Crl.O.P.No.162 of 2025 is the wife of A19 and they both were the main suppliers. He also submits that there is no recovery from A6 / the petitioner in Crl.O.P.No.159 of 2025.

4. Considering the voluntary submission made by the learned counsel for the petitioners, the petitioners are directed to deposit a sum of Rs.5,000/- (Rupees Five Thousand only) each, to the credit of MANASU, CSB Bank, Pallavaram Branch, A/C.No.024404406764190001, IFSC : CSBK0000244, without prejudice to the right of defence before the Trial Court and making it clear that it would not amount to admission of guilt.

5. Further, having heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) for the respondent Police and perused the materials available on record, this court is inclined to grant bail to the petitioners with certain conditions and accordingly, they are ordered to be released on bail on them executing separate bond for a sum of Rs.15,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Thousand only) with two sureties, each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the learned X Metropolitan Magistrate, Egmore, Chennai, and on further conditions that:

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[a] the sureties shall affix their photographs and Left Thumb Impression in the surety bond and the Magistrate may obtain a copy of their Aadhar card or Bank pass Book to ensure their identity;

[b] the petitioners shall report before the respondent Police, everyday at 10.30 a.m. until further orders;

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

[d] the petitioners shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial; [e] On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate action against the petitioners in accordance with law as if the conditions have been imposed and the petitioners 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];

[f] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 of B.N.S. 07.01.2025 Anu To 4/6

1. The X Metropolitan Magistrate, Egmore, Chennai 2.The Inspector of Police, P-6, Kodungaiyur Police Station, Chennai District.

3. The Superintendent, Central Prison, Puzhal, Chennai.

4. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

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A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA.,J.

Anu 07.01.2025 6/6