Ranjithkumar v. The State Of Tamil Nadu Rep.By, The Sub Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 17.03.2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE DR. JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN Ranjith Kumar ... Petitioner Vs.

The State Represented by, The Sub Inspector of Police, Sathuvacheri Police Station, Vellore District.

(Crime No.35 of 2026).

... Respondent PRAYER: Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to enlarge the petitioner on anticipatory bail in the event of his arrest in connection with Crime No.35 of 2026 on the file of respondent Police.

For Petitioner : Mr.R.Thangavel For Respondent : Mr.P.Dhileepan, Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

O R D E R

The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offences punishable under Section 306 of BNS 2023 (corresponding to Section 381 of IPC) in Crime No.35 of 2026, on the file of 1/4

the respondent Police, seeks anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that the petitioner, who was working as a promoter in the de facto complainant's supermarket, committed theft of dry fruits, namely almonds, pistachios and cashews, valued at about Rs.30,000/-, over a period of time. Based on the complaint preferred by the Manager of the supermarket, the respondent police registered a case against the petitioner.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this case. He further submitted that the petitioner is ready to abide by any conditions that may be imposed by this Court and sought anticipatory bail for the petitioner.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) appearing for the respondent police submitted that the petitioner has no previous case and that the FIR was registered on 17.02.2026. He further submitted that the allegation against the petitioner is theft of food products valued at Rs.30,000/-.

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5. Considering the nature of the allegation and also considering the fact that the petitioner has no previous case, this Court is of the view that, at this stage, no custodial interrogation of the petitioner is necessary. Hence, this Court is inclined to enlarge the petitioner on anticipatory bail, subject to certain conditions.

6. Accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail in the event of arrest or on his appearance, within a period of fifteen (15) days from the date on which the order copy is made ready, before the learned Judicial Magistrate No.V, Vellore, on condition that the petitioner shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.20,000/- (Rupees Twenty Thousand only), with two sureties each, for a like sum to the satisfaction of the learned Magistrate concerned, and on further conditions:

(a) If the petitioner fails to surrender before the concerned learned Magistrate within a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, this order shall stand automatically cancelled;

(b) The sureties shall affix their photographs and left thumb impression in the application for surety ship (Judicial Form No.46 annexed to 'The Criminal Rules of Practice, 2019]'. The learned Magistrate shall obtain a copy of any one of identify proofs to ensure their identity;

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C.KUMARAPPAN, J.

(c) The petitioner shall report before the respondent police twice a day at 10.30 a.m., and 5.30 p.m. until further orders;

(d) On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate actions against the petitioner in accordance with law as if the conditions have been imposed and the petitioner released on anticipatory bail by the learned Magistrate/Trial Court himself as laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in P.K.Shaji v. State of Kerala [(2005) AIR SCW 5560];

(e) If the petitioner thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 of BNS Act.

17.03.2026 cda To 1.The Judicial Magistrate No.V, Vellore.

2.The Sub Inspector of Police, Sathuvacheri Police Station, Vellore District.

3.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

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