Murugan v. The State Rep By

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 12.02.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE K. RAJASEKAR CRL OP NO.3404 of 2026 Murugan ... Petitioner/ Accused Vs The State rep by, The Inspector of Police, M.7 Manali New Town Police Station, Chennai District.

(Crime No.05 of 2026) ... Respondent PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to grant bail to the petitioner/accused in Crime No.05 of 2026 The Inspector of Police, M.7 Manali New Town Police Station, Chennai District respondent police and pass orders. For Petitioner(s) :

Mr. P. Chandrasekar For Respondent(s) :

Mr. A. Gopinath Government Advocate (Crl. Side)

ORDER

The petitioner, who was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on 05.01.2026 for the offences under Sections 123 of BNS Act r/w 24(1) of Cigarettee and other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 in Crime No.05 of 2026, registered on the file of the respondent police, seeks bail. 1/4

2.The case of the prosecution is that this petitioner was found in possession of banned tobacco products worth about Rs.50,000/- Hence the case.

3.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution and he is in judicial custody from 05.01.2026 He further submitted that the petitioner is ready to co-operate with the investigation and abide by any other stringent conditions that may be imposed by this Court . Hence, prays to grant bail.

4.The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondent while opposing the bail to the petitioner, reiterated the prosecution case and submitted that there are 14 previous cases pending against the petitioner which are similar in nature and the petitioner is a habitual offender. Hence, he opposed to grant bail to the petitioner. 5.Considering the submissions made by the learned counsel appearing on either side; previous antecedents of the petitioner and taking note of the fact that the petitioner is a habitual offender, this Court is not inclined to grant bail to the petitioner.

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6.Accordingly, this criminal original petition stands dismissed. 12.02.2026 smn To

1. The XV Metropolitan Magistrate at George Town

2. The Inspector of Police, M.7 Manali New Town Police Station, Chennai District.

3. The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras 3/4

K. RAJASEKAR, J.

smn CRL OP NO.3404 of 2026 12.02.2026 4/4