T.Ajith Kumar v. The State Rep.By Its
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 20.07.2020
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.D.JAGADISH CHANDRA Crl.O.P.No10810 of 2020
1. T. Ajith Kumar
2. D. Jagadeesan ... Petitioners -VsState Rep. By the Inspector of police, Kodavasal Police Station, Tiruvarur District.
(Crime No. 1374 of 2020)
...Respondent
Prayer: Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 438 of Code of Criminal Procedure praying to enlarge the petitioners on bail in the event of their arrest in Crime No.1374 of 2020 pending on the file of the Respondent Police.
For Petitioner : Mr.Arun.G For Respondent : Mr.M.Mohamed Riyaz Additional Public Prosecutor
ORDER
(The case has been heard through video conference) The petitioners, who apprehend arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offences punishable under Section 379 of IPC, r/w Section 21 (4) of Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulations) Act, 1957, in Crime No. 1374 of 2020, seeks anticipatory bail.
2. The case of the prosecution is that the petitioners had illegally transported 1 unit of sand in tractor, without any permit or valid licence and it was seized by the respondent police.
3. The learned counsel for the petitioners would submit that the petitioners are innocent and they did not commit any offence as alleged by the prosecution and they have been falsely implicated in this case. Hence, he prays for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioners.
4. The learned Additional Public Prosecutor submitted that the quantity of sand involved is 1 unit. He further submit there are no previous cases against the petitioners. Hence, he vehemently opposed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioners.
5. In order to curb the illegal sand mining activities, this Court is of the opinion that the petitioners are directed to deposit a sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only) as non refundable deposit to 'The Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund', Indian Overseas Bank, SB.A/c. No.117201000000070, IFSC Code. No.IOBA0001172 without prejudice to their rights and contentions before the trial Court. 6.Merely, because the petitioners have deposited the said amount, it would not amount to admission of his guilt. Therefore, it is open to the trial Court to deal with the case independently. 7.Taking note of the facts and circumstances, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioners with certain conditions.
(a) The petitioners are directed to deposit a sum of Rs.10,000/- as non-refundable deposit through RTGS/NEFT in favour of the 'The Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund', Indian Overseas Bank, SB.A/c. No.117201000000070, IFSC Code. No.IOBA0001172 within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Thereafter, the petitioners are directed to be released on bail in the event of their arrest or their appearance and on production of proof of deposit of the above amount and on further condition that the each petitioner shall execute a separate bond for a sum of Rs.
10,000/- (Ten thousand only) with two sureties each for the likesum to the satisfaction of the police officer who intends to arrest, failing which the petition for anticipatory bail shall stand dismissed automatically and on further condition that the petitioners shall also give an letter of undertaking before the respondent/police that the said amount has been paid in respect of particular crime number. [b] the petitioners and the sureties shall affix their photographs and Left Thumb Impression in the surety bond and the respondent/police may obtain a copy of their Aadhar card or Bank pass Book to ensure their identity.
[c] the petitioners shall report before the respondent police on every Monday and Friday at 10.30am, for a period of two weeks and thereafter, as and when required for interrogation. [d] the petitioners shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial.
[e] the petitioners shall not abscond either during investigation or trial.
[f] On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate action against the petitioners in accordance with law as if the conditions have been imposed and the petitioners 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].
[g] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 229A IPC.
8. With the above directions, this Criminal Original Petition is ordered.
9. For reporting compliance, post on 12.08.2020. -sd/- 20/07/2020 This order, on being produced, be punctually observed and carried into execution by all concerned TRUE COPY Sub-Assistant Registrar (Statistics/C.S.) High Court, Madras - 600 104.
TO 1 THE JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE, KODAVASAL.
2 THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR HIGH COURT, MADRAS.
3 INSPECTOR OF POLICE, KODAVASAL POLICE STATION, TIRUVARUR DISTRICT.
The Chief Ministers Public Relief Fund, Indian Overseas Bank, Secretariat Branch, Chennai SB.A/c. No.117201000000070, IFSC Code. No.IOBA0001172 CC to M/S.ARUN.G Advocate on payment of necessary charges SR.NO.5739 CRL OP.10810/2020 Date :20/07/2020 RVR 24/07/2020