Gopi v. State Rep By

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

Dated : 02.02.2021 CORAM :

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE V. BHARATHIDASAN Crl.O.P.No.1419 of 2021 1.Gopi .. Petitioners 2.Velu .vs.

State rep. by its ... Respondent The Inspector of Police, Pathirivedu Police Station, Thiruvallur District (Crime No.1116 of 2020) PRAYER: Criminal Original Petition is filed under Section 438 of Criminal Procedure Code to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioners in the event of arrest by the respondent police in Crime No.1116 of 2020.

For Petitioners: Mr.S.Mothilal Nehru For Respondent : Mr.S.Karthikeyan Addl. Public Prosecutor

ORDER

(The 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 Section 379 & 430 IPC in Crime No.1116 of 2020, on the file of the respondent police, seek anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that the petitioners had transported 10 cubic metal gravel illegally by using a vehicle, bearing Registration No.TN-18-AP-5266, without any valid licence. Hence, the complaint.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners would submit that the petitioners are innocent persons and they have been falsely implicated in this case. On instructions, he would further submit that the petitioners are prepared to deposit some considerable amount to any charitable organization or association without prejudice to their contention and prayed for grant of anticipatory bail.

4. The learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for

the respondent submitted that the petitioners had transported 10 cubic metal gravel illegally without having valid permission. He further submitted that there is no previous case pending against the petitioners.

5. In order to curb the illegal sand mining activities, this Court is of the opinion that the petitioners are directed to deposit a sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only) as non-refundable deposit to 'Madras High Court Advocate Clerks' Association, Indian Bank, High Court Branch, A/C.No.484077244, IFSC Code. No. IDIB000M157 without prejudice to their rights and contentions before the trial Court.

6. Merely, because the petitioners have deposited the said amount, it would not amount to admission of their guilt. Therefore, it is open to the trial Court to deal with the case independently.

7. Taking note of the facts and circumstances, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioners with certain conditions.

(a) The petitioners are directed to deposit a sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only) as non-refundable deposit either through RTGS/NEFT or in cash in favour of 'Madras High Court Advocate Clerks' Association, Indian Bank, High Court Branch, A/C.No.484077244, IFSC Code. No. IDIB000M157', and on such payment and production of proof of deposit of the above amount, they shall be released on bail in the event of arrest or on their appearance, within a period of fifteen days from the date on which the order copy made ready, before the learned Judicial Magistrate Court at Gummidipoondi, Thiruvallur, on condition that the petitioner shall execute a separate bond for a sum of Rs.

25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only) with two sureties each for the like sum to the satisfaction of the police officer who intends to arrest, failing which the petition for anticipatory bail shall stand dismissed automatically and on further condition that: [b] the petitioners and the sureties shall affix their photographs and Left Thumb Impression in the surety bond and the respondent/police 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 daily at 10.30 a.m., for a period of two weeks and thereafter, as and when required for the 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 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]. [g] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 229A IPC.

8. With the above directions, this Criminal Original Petition is ordered.

-sd/- 02/02/2021 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 COURT, GUMMIDIPOONDI, THIRUVALLUR.

2 THE CHIEF JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE, THIRUVALLUR [FOR INFORMATION].

3 THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, HIGH COURT, MADRAS.

4 THE INSPECTOR OF POLICE, PATHIRIVEDU POLICE STATION, THIRUVALLUR.

5 MADRAS HIGH COURT ADVOCATES CLERK WELFARE ASSOCIATION, INDIAN BANK, HIGH COURT BRANCH, A/C NO.484077244, IFSC CODE:IDIB000M157.

+1 CC to M/S S.MOTHILAL NEHRU Advocate on payment of necessary charges SR NO. 1039 CRL OP.1419/2021 Date :02/02/2021 MN-08/02/2021