M.Sujatha v. The Station House Officer

C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J.

The petitioner/second accused who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offence punishable under Sections 498(A), 294(b), 506(1) of IPC read with Section 4 of Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Women Harassment Act in Crime No. 6 of 2024, seeks anticipatory bail.

2. It is the case of the defacto complainant that she had married in the year 2000 and she and her husband have two children. It is stated that from the year 2018, her husband is having an extra marital affair with this petitioner. This led to a quarrel which escalated to a dispute and violence. The other accused had been granted anticipatory bail by the learned Principal Sessions Court at Cuddalore.

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

4. 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 Additional Mahila Court, 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 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., for a period of two weeks and thereafter as and when required.

[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.

13.03.2024 vsg C.V.KARTHIKEYAN , J.

vsg 13.03.2024