M. Prashanth v. State Rep.By, The Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 02-02-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE K.RAJASEKAR M. Prashanth ..Petitioner(s) Vs State Rep.by, The Inspector of Police, Meicheri Police Station, Salem.(Crime No. 33 of 2026) ..Respondent(s) Prayer: This Criminal Original Petition is filed under 482 of BNSS to enlarge the petitioner/Accused on Anticipatory Bail in the event of arrest by the respondent police in Crime No. 33 of 2026, on the file of the Inspector of Police, Meicheri Police Station,Salem.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.Dhalapathy Vignesh Kumar For Respondent(s):

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

ORDER

The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offences punishable under Sections 4(1)(C ) & 4(1)(A) of Tamil Nadu Prohibition (Amendment ) Act 2024 in connection with the Cr.No.33 of

2026.

2. The case of the prosecution is that, based on the secret information, the respondent police conducted an inspection at the petitioner's residence and recovered 192 liquor bottles (180 ml each). Further investigation revealed that the petitioner, along with other accused, had purchased liquor from TASMAC outlets to sell the same in the black market at an exorbitant rate. Consequently, the case was registered.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the case by the respondent police. He further submitted that the petitioner is willing to abide by any stringent conditions that may be imposed by this Court and, therefore, prayed for the grant of anticipatory bail.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) appearing for the respondent police vehemently opposed the grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner. She further submitted that the alleged contraband was recovered from the accused and the petitioner is a habitual offender with ten previous cases of a similar nature pending against him.

5. Considering the adverse antecedents of the petitioner, the significant

quantity of contraband seized, and the high probability that the petitioner may indulge in similar offences if enlarged on bail, this Court is not inclined to grant anticipatory bail.

6. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition stands dismissed. 02-02-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order JAI To

1. The Inspector of Police, Meicheri Police Station, Salem.

2. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

K.RAJASEKAR, J.

JAI 02-02-2026