Boobalan v. The State Represented By, The Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 30.01.2025

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA Boobalan ... Petitioner Vs.

The State represented by, The Inspector of Police, Matharpakkam Forest Range, Thiruvallur District..

(Crime No.1 of 2025).

... Respondent For Petitioner :

Mr.P.Chandrasekar For Respondent :

Mr.S.Santhosh Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

O R D E R

Apprehending arrest in connection with Crime No. 1 of 2025 registered for the offences punishable under Sections 21(d)(e)(f) Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882 the present petition has been filed by the petitioner seeking anticipatory bail.

2. Pleading innocence on the part of the petitioner, false implication in the case, learned counsel for the petitioner seeks indulgence of this Court. He also 1/6

submits that the petitioner is no way connected with the alleged offence, however, he has been implicated in this case since he has some previous cases. He further submits that the petitioner, without prejudice to the defence and contention, is ready and willing to deposit a sum of Rs.25,000/- to any welfare scheme of the Government or any other organization.

3. The case of the prosecution, as putforth by the learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondent police, opposing for grant of anticipatory bail, is that the petitioner/accused had illegally transported 25 units of Savudu sand in a lorry without any permission. He further submits that one previous case of similar nature is pending against the petitioner.

4. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) for the respondent and perused the materials available on record.

5. In respect of grant or refusal of anticipatory bail to the persons indulging in illegal sand mining, smuggling and theft of sand and minerals, the 2/6

Apex Court in S.Mohamed Shahul Hameed Vs. State rep. by the Inspector of Police (Special Leave to Appeal (Crl.) No.6029 of 2020 dated 11.12.2020), while expressing disagreement with the sweep observation made by this Court on the aspect of continuous misuse of discretionary power by the offenders and the enforcers as well in an organised manner, has clarified that in consideration of anticipatory bail, the role assigned to a person would have to be considered.

6. Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case and the sand involved is small quantity and that there is no previous case pending against the petitioner, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner. However, in order to curb illegal sand mining activities and taking into consideration the voluntary submission made by the petitioner offering to deposit a considerable amount to any charitable organization or association, this Court is of the opinion that as one of the conditions for grant of anticipatory bail, the petitioner may be directed to deposit a sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) to the credit of District Legal Services Authority, Thiruvallur District, without prejudice to his rights and contentions before the trial Court.

7. It is made clear that merely because the petitioner is depositing the 3/6

amount, it would not amount to the petitioner admitting his guilt in the criminal case and such amount is being paid without prejudice to the right of the petitioner. 8.Accordingly, the petitioner shall make a non refundable deposit of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) by way of Demand Draft/RTGS/NEFT to the credit of the District Legal Services Authority, Tiruvallur District, and on such deposit and on receipt of proof of payment, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail in the event of arrest or on his appearance within a period of fifteen days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, before the learned District Munsif cum Judicial Magistrate, Gumudipoondi, on condition that the petitioner shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.

10,000/- (Rupees Ten 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, failing which, the petition for anticipatory bail shall stand dismissed and on further condition that: [a] the petitioner and 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.

4/6

[b] the petitioner shall report before the respondent police everyday at 10.30 a.m., until further orders. [c] the petitioners shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial. [d] the petitioners 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 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 abscond, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 B.N.S.

30.01.2025 drl A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA.,J.

drl 5/6

To 1.The Inspector of Police, Matharpakkam Forest Range, Thiruvallur District..

2. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

30.01.2025 6/6