Anbazhagan v. State Rep. By Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 07.03.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE SUNDER MOHAN Anbazhagan

...Petitioner/Accused

Vs.

State rep by The Inspector of Police, C-1, Flower Bazaar Police Station, Chennai - 600 001.

(Crime No.40 of 2025) ...

Respondent PRAYER: This criminal original petition has been filed under Section 483 of BNSS to enlarge the petitioner on bail in Crime No.40 of 2025 pending investigation on the file of the respondent police. For Petitioner :

Mr.A.Elumalai For Respondent :

Mr.Leonard Arul Joseph Selvam Government Advocate (Crl. Side)

ORDER

This Criminal Original Petition has been filed by the petitioner, who was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on 20.02.2025, seeking bail Page No.1 of 6

in Crime No.40 of 2025 registered for the offence under Section 24(1) of COTPA and Sections 274, 275, 123, 132, 351(2) of BNS. 2.It is the case of the prosecution that the petitioner along with the other accused was found in illegal possession of 6 kgs of banned tobacco products. Hence, the case.

3.The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is innocent; that the contraband has been seized and that the petitioner is in custody from 20.02.2025 and hence, further custody of the petitioner is not required.

4.Per contra, the learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) reiterated the prosecution case and submitted that there is one previous case pending against the petitioner and he is on bail in that case and that the contraband has been seized.

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

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6.Considering the nature of allegations, period of incarceration and the fact that the contraband has been seized and the petitioner is on bail in the previous case and since further custody of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of interrogation, this Court is inclined to grant bail to the petitioner with certain conditions.

7.Accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail on his executing a bond for a sum of Rs.15,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Thousand only) with two sureties, each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the learned VIII Metropolitan Magistrate, George Town, Chennai, and on further conditions that:

[a] 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, everyday at 10.30 a.m., until further orders; [c] the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial; Page No.3 of 6

[d] the petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witness 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 B.N.S.

07.03.2025 ata Page No.4 of 6

Copy to:

1.The Inspector of Police, C-1, Flower Bazaar Police Station, Chennai - 600 001.

2.The VIII Metropolitan Magistrate, George Town, Chennai. 3.The Superintendent of Prison, Central Prison, Puzhal, Chennai.

4.The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.

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SUNDER MOHAN, J.

ata 07.03.2025 Page No.6 of 6