R.Poovarasan v. The State Rep By

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 04-02-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE K.RAJASEKAR R.Poovarasan S/o. Ramachandran, 126, Tsunami Quarters, Vaithikuppam, Padmini Nagar, Puducherry 605 012.

..Petitioner(s) Vs The State Rep By The Inspector of Police, Neelankarai Police Station, Chennai.

Crime No.703 of 2025 ..Respondent(s) PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to enlarge the petitioner on bail in the event of his arrest in Crime No.703/2025 on the file of the Respondent Police, and pass such further or other orders as this Hon'ble Court. For Petitioner(s):

M/s.Lavanya For Respondent(s):

Ms.J.R.Archana Government Advocate (Crl.side)

Order The petitioner, who apprehends arrest by the respondent police for the offences punishable under Sections 296(b), 232(1) and 351(2) of BNS, 2023 in Crime No.703 of 2025 registered on the file of the respondent police, seeks anticipatory bail.

2. The allegation against the petitioner is that he joined hands with other accused and tried to hamper the witness of the POCSO case and also threatened the defacto complainant and her family members. Hence, the present case has been registered.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the alleged occurrence had taken place on 19.11.2025; that the petitioner was not present at the scene of occurrence and that the petitioner is ready to co-operate with the investigation. Hence, he prays for the grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondent police reiterated the prosecution case and submitted that the POCSO case is pending for framing of charges. She further submitted that the coaccused A3 and A4 were granted anticipatory bail by this Court. Hence, he opposed the grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

5. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned

Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondent police and perused the materials available on record.

6. Considering the nature of the allegations, the fact that the petitioner was not present at the scene of occurrence, and taking note of the allegation that the family members attempted to influence the defacto complainant and also threatened her family members, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner, subject to certain conditions.

7. 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 Chief Judicial Magistrate, Puducherry, on condition that the petitioner shall execute a 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 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, daily at 10.30 a.m., for a period of two 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.

04-02-2026 DRL To 1.The Inspector of Police, Neelankarai Police Station, Chennai.

2.The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.

K.RAJASEKAR J.

DRL 04-02-2026