Balu @ Balachandar, v. State, Rep. By The Inspector Of Police, (Crime)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 04-03-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN Balu @ Balachandar, S/o. Velayutham 60/94, East Street, Tirukkoilur, Villupuram District - 605 757.

..Petitioner(s) Vs State, Rep. by The Inspector of Police, (Crime) Thirukoilur Police Station, Kallakurichi District.

..Respondent(s) Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Act, 2023, praying to enlarge the Petitioner on anticipatory bail in the event of his arrest by the respondent police in connection with Crime No. 736 of 2025 and thus render justice. For Petitioner(s):

Mr.M.Raguraman For Respondent(s):

Mr.P.Dhileepan, Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

ORDER

The petitioner apprehends arrest for the alleged offence under Sections 5, 7(3) of Lotteries Regulation Act, 1998, in Crime No.736 of 2025 on the file of the respondent police seeks anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that on 29.12.2025 at about 14:00 hours, the respondent police, during surveillance near the Four Road Junction, apprehended the petitioner along with other accused, who were allegedly found in possession of 100 banned out-of-state lottery tickets. Hence, the case.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner has been falsely implicated in this case and has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution. He further submitted that the petitioner is ready to abide by any stringent conditions that may be imposed by this Court. Hence, he prayed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) for the respondent police submitted that the petitioner is involved in supplying the lottery tickets. Hence, he opposed the grant of anticipatory bail.

5. While considering the submissions made by the learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side), this Court observes that lotteries have a significant impact on society and have caused numerous suicides. Though it may appear to be a lottery at first glance, it has a detrimental effect on vulnerable people. Therefore, this Court is of the view that the offence allegedly committed by the

petitioner has serious societal impact. Hence enlarging the petitioner on anticipatory bail at this stage would affect the moral fiber of society at large. In such view of the position, this Court is not inclined to enlarge the petitioner on anticipatory bail.

6. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition stands dismissed. 04-03-2026 cda To 1.The Inspector of Police, (Crime) Thirukoilur Police Station, Kallakurichi District.

2.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

C.KUMARAPPAN J.

cda 04-03-2026