P Selvam v. State By, The Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 28-01-2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.RAJASEKAR P.Selvam Petitioner(s) Vs State by, The Inspector of Police, Arakkonam Town Police Station, Ranipet District. Cr.No.37/2026.

Respondent(s) PRAYER This Criminal Original Petition is filed under Section 482 of BNSS to enlarge the petitioner on bail in the event of his arrest in the above Cr.No.37/2026 on the file of the respondent police. For Petitioner(s):

Mr.G.Ashok Kumar For Respondent(s):

Ms.J.R.Archana, GA (Crl.Side)

ORDER

The petitioner, who apprehends arrest by the respondent police for the offences punishable under Sections 318(4) of BNS Act, 8, 9 of Tamil Nadu Gaming Act 1930 in Crime No.37 of 2026 seeks anticipatory bail. 2.The case of the prosecution is that on 17.01.2026, based on the secret information, the respondent police conducted a search at TKP Lodge, Arakkonam and found A1 to A5 engaged in rummy gambling by wagering

money. Upon investigation, it revealed that the aforesaid activity was carried on with the permission of the petitioner (A6), who is the owner of the TKP lodge. Hence, the case.

3.The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is an innocent person and he has been falsely implicated in this case. He further submitted he was neither present at the lodge at the relevant time nor had any knowledge of or involvement in the gambling activity. The petitioner is also ready to cooperate for the investigation, hence, he prays for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

4.The learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) appearing for the respondent police reiterated the prosecution's case and on instructions, reported that the petitioner is the owner of the TKP Lodge, where the alleged gambling activity took place and he has been arrayed as A6 in this case. She further submitted the petitioner has no previous case pending against him and investigation in this still case is still pending. Hence, she opposed for the grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

5. Considering the facts and circumstances of this case, the submissions made by learned counsel appearing on either side, the overtact levelled against the petitioner and custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not

necessary, I am inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner, with certain conditions.

6. Accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on anticipatory bail in the event of arrest or on his appearance, within a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order before the learned Judicial Magistrate-I, Arakkonam on condition that the petitioner shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.20,000/- (Rupees Twenty Thousand Only), 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 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 petitioner shall report before the respondent police, everyday at 10.30 a.m., for a period of three weeks and thereafter as and when required for interrogation; (c) the petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial; (d) the petitioner shall not abscond 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 petitioner in accordance with law as if the

conditions have been imposed and the petitioner 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;

(f) if the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 of B.N.S.

28-01-2026 jai To 1.The Inspector of Police, Arakkonam Town Police Station, Ranipet District.

2. The Judicial Magistrate-I, Arakkonam.

3. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

K.RAJASEKAR, J.

jai CRL OP No. 1877 of 28-01-2026