Murugan v. The State Rep By, The Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 19-02-2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE SUNDER MOHAN Murugan S/o Govindasamy Water Tank Street, Thiruppanampakkam, Kaliyur, Cuddalore District.

Petitioner/A2 Vs The State rep by, The Inspector of Police, Thookanampakkam Police Station, Cuddalore District. (Crime No. 5 of 2025) Respondent(s) For Petitioner (s): MrT Muruganantham For Respondent(s): Mr.S.Balaji, Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

ORDER

The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offences punishable under Sections 281 and 106(2) of the BNS, in Crime No. 5/2025 , on the file of the respondent police, seeks anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that the petitioner is the owner of the

tractor; that the first accused drove the tractor in a rash and negligent manner causing death of the victim girl aged 5 years. Hence, the complaint.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is the owner of the vehicle; that he was unaware of the accident committed by the Driver and in any case custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required for investigation and hence, he prayed for grant of anticipatory bail.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) appearing for the respondent police reiterated the prosecution case and on instruction submitted that the number plate of the vehicle was not visible and hence, opposed for grant of anticipatory bail.

5. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate (Crl.side) for the respondent and also perused the materials available on record.

6. Considering the submission on either side; nature of allegation; that the accident was caused by the Driver of the vehicle and since

custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of investigation, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner subject to the following conditions: (a) 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 of receipt of a copy of this order, before the Judicial Magistrate, No. 1, Cuddalore 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 said Magistrate, failing which, the petition for anticipatory bail shall stand dismissed and on further condition that:

[b] the petitioner shall appear before the respondent police everyday 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 269 of BNS.

19.02.2025 vca SUNDER MOHAN, J.

vca To

1. The State rep by, The Inspector of Police, Thookanampakkam Police Station, Cuddalore District.

(Crime No. 5 of 2025)

19.02.2025