Karunan @ Karunanidhi v. The Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 06.04.2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN Karunan @ Karunanidhi

...Petitioner

Vs The Inspector of Police Thiruthuraipoondi Police Station Tiruvarur District.

(Crime No.115 of 2026)

...Respondent

Prayer: Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Act, 2023, to enlarge the petitioner on anticipatory bail in the event of his arrest in Crime No.115 of 2026 on the file of the Inspector of Police, Thiruthuraipoondi Police Station, Tiruvarur District. For Petitioner(s):

Mr.Palanivel Nadimuthu For Respondent(s):

Mr.P.Dhileepan, Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

ORDER

The petitioner, who apprehends arrest for the alleged offence under Sections 79 of Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 read with Section 14(1) of Child Labour and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 r/w

9, 16 and 17 of the Child Labour System (Prohibition) Act, 1976, r/w 143 (iv) of BNS Act, in Crime No.115 of 2026, on the file of the respondent police seeks anticipatory bail.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the allegation against the petitioner is that he was charged under the Child Labour System Prohibition Act, 1976 on 13.03.2026.

3. However, the learned Government Advocate (Crl.side) appearing for the respondent would strongly oppose the anticipatory bail application on the ground that the petitioner has purchased one Ajay, the victim as bonded labour from his mother for Rs.40,000/- and has engaged him as Goat Shepherd. Fearing that the fact would later on come to the knowledge of the officials, the victim minor was released on 13.03.2026 and thereafter, the present FIR has been registered.

4. Taking into consideration of the serious allegation, if the Court enlarge the petitioner on anticipatory bail, it will give a wrong impression to the society as to the seriousness shown by the Court in respect of bonded labour. Therefore, this Court is of the firm view that the petitioner does not deserve anticipatory bail.

5. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition is dismissed. 06.04.2026 dna To 1.The Inspector of Police Thiruthuraipoondi Police Station Tiruvarur District.

(Crime No.115 of 2026)

2. The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.

C.KUMARAPPAN, J.

dna 06.04.2026