Velmani v. State Rep.By, The Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 20.03.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE SUNDER MOHAN Velmani

...Petitioner/Accused

Vs.

State rep by The Inspector of Police, V & AC Cuddalore Police Station, Cuddalore District.

(Crime No.2 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.2 of 2025 pending investigation on the file of the respondent police. For Petitioner :

Mr.C.Ramkumar For Respondent :

Mr.Leonard Arul Joseph Selvam Government Advocate (Crl. Side) Page No.1 of 6

ORDER

This Criminal Original Petition has been filed by the petitioner, who was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on 15.02.2025, seeking bail in Crime No.2 of 2025 registered for the offence under Section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

2.It is the case of the prosecution that the petitioner, who was working as a Loadman, had demanded Rs.55/- per bag for loading paddy bags; that the total amount demanded by him was Rs.16,500/- for all the paddy bags; and that a trap was conducted and the petitioner was arrested. 3.The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the allegations are false and in any case, considering the period of incarceration, further custody of the petitioner is not required and sought for bail. Page No.2 of 6

4.Per contra, the learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) reiterated the prosecution case and submitted that the petitioner was arrested during trap proceedings.

5.Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on record.

6.Considering the aforesaid facts, the nature of allegations, period of incarceration, this Court is of the view that further custody of the petitioner is not required for the purpose of investigation. Hence, 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 Special Court under Prevention of Corruption Act Cases Cuddalore, and on further conditions that:

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[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; [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.

20.03.2025 ata Page No.4 of 6

Copy to:

1.The Inspector of Police, V & AC Cuddalore Police Station, Cuddalore District.

2.The Special Court under Prevention of Corruption Act Cases, Cuddalore.

3.Central Prison, Cuddalore.

4.The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.

Page No.5 of 6

SUNDER MOHAN, J.

ata 20.03.2025 Page No.6 of 6