Vasantha Kumar v. The Inspector Of Police

A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA, J.

The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offences punishable under Section 6(4) of the Tamil Nadu Schedule Commodities [RDCS] Order, 1982 read with Section (7)(1)(a)(ii) of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 in Crime No.61 of 2023, seeks anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that during the inspection conducted by the respondent police on 18.03.2023, they found that the petitioner was in the possession of 4000 Kgs of PDS rice without obtaining any permission or license from the Tamil Nadu State Government. Hence the case.

3. The learned Counsel for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is an innocent person and he has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution. He would also submit that the petitioner is ready to abide by any stringent condition that may be imposed by this Court. Hence, he prays for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondent would submit that the petitioner was found in possession of 4000 Kgs of PDS rice worth about Rs.1,32,000/- in Ashok Leyland Bada Dost. He would further submit that there are two previous cases, similar in nature, pending as against the petitioner. However, he vehemently opposed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

5. Heard the leanred counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate (crl.side) and perused the entire materials available on record.

6.Taking into account the nature of offence and the previous antecedents of the petitioner, this Court is not inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition is dismissed. 11.04.2023 vkr

A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA, J.

vkr 11.04.2023