Balaji v. The State Rep.By Its

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 08.04.2021

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI Balaji ... Petitioner Vs.

The State rep by its The Inspector of Police, Koothanallur Police Station, Tiruvarur.

(Crime No.184 of 2021) ... Respondent Prayer:

Petition filed under Section 439 of Cr.P.C., seeking to enlarge the petitioner on bail.

For Petitioner : Mr.D.Padmanabhan For Respondent : Ms.M.Prabhavathi Additional Public Prosecutor

O R D E R

The petitioner who was arrested for the offence under Section 379 of I.P.C. read with 21(4) Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 in Cr.No.184 of 2021 on the file of the respondent police, seeks bail.

1/6

2.It is the case of the prosecution that the petitioner was involved in illegal transportation of 1/2 unit of sand. 3.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution. However, on instructions, he would further submit that the petitioner, without prejudice to his rights, is ready to deposit the amount that is to be imposed by this Court to the Mineral Foundation Trust.

4.The learned Additional Public Prosecutor submitted that the vehicle involved was seized by the respondent police and that there is no previous case pending against the petitioner. She further submitted that if the person is caught with illegal sand in the mining area, he has to be directed to deposit the conditional amount to the credit of Crime number. However, in view of formation of District Mineral Foundation Trust in each District, the amount may be deposited to the credit of the said Trust for rehabilitation in the areas affected by illegal sand mining.

2/6

5.In view of the rehabilitation undertaken by the State Government under the Tamil Nadu District Mineral Foundation Rules, 2017, and in order to curb the illegal sand mining activities and also considering the submission made by the learned counsel for the petitioner, this Court is of the opinion that the petitioner shall be directed to make a non refundable deposit of Rs.20,000/- (Rupees Twenty Thousand only) to the credit of the concerned District Mineral Foundation Trust, without prejudice to his rights and contentions. The amount so deposited shall be utilised by the Trust for rehabilitation works.

6.It is made clear that the deposit of the amount by the petitioner to the Trust would not amount to admission of guilt. The trial Court shall deal with the case independently on merits without reference to the amount deposited at the stage of bail. 7.Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and also considering the submission made by the learned Additional Public Prosecutor, I am inclined to grant bail to the petitioner with certain conditions.

3/6

8.Accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail on his executing a bond for a sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand Only) with two sureties, of whom, one should be a blood related surety, each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the learned Judicial Magistrate-II, Mannargudi and on further condition that: (a)the petitioner shall make a non refundable deposit of Rs.20,000/- (Rupees Twenty Thousand only) through demand draft to the credit of the Chairman/District Collector, District Mineral Foundation Trust of the concerned District, without prejudice to his defence before the trial Court and the learned Judicial Magistrate, after perusing the challan/ receipt, shall accept the sureties furnished by the petitioner;

(b)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; (c)the petitioner shall report before the respondent police, daily at 10.30 a.m. until further orders;

(d)the petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial;

(e)the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial;

4/6

(f)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]; and;

(g)if the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 229-A IPC.

08.04.2021 pri Speaking Order/ Non Speaking Order Index: Yes/ No Internet: Yes/ No To 1.The Inspector of Police, Koothanallur Police Station, Tiruvarur.

(Crime No.184 of 2021) 2.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras, Chennai 600 104.

5/6

M.DHANDAPANI,J.

pri 08.04.2021 6/6