Vinothkumar v. Inspector Of Police

C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J.

The petitioner/second accused who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offence punishable under Sections 294(b), 506(i) and 353 of IPC in Crime No.21 of 2024, seeks anticipatory bail.

2. It is stated that when the forest ranger enquired about the trees which had fallen down, the accused abused the forest ranger in unparliamentary language, which led to registration of the FIR.

3. The first accused had been granted anticipatory bail in Crl.O.P.No. 2031 of 2024 by an order dated 08.02.2024. The petitioner is driver of the first accused. The cut woods have been seized by the respondent.

4. Taking all the factors into consideration, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner with certain conditions.

5. Accordingly, 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 on which the order copy made ready, before the Judicial Magistrate No.1, Mettur, 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. [b] the petitioner shall report before the respondent police daily at 10.30 a.m., until further orders.

[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].

[f] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 229A IPC.

18.03.2024 vsg C.V.KARTHIKEYAN , J.

vsg 18.03.2024