Santhosh v. The State Rep By The Inspector Of Police
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 25-03-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN Santhosh ..Petitioner(s) Vs State Rep By The Inspector of Police Sooramangalam Police Station, Salem District.
(Crime No.288 of 2025) ..Respondent(s) Criminal Original Petition has been filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to enlarge the petitioner on bail in S.C.No.275 of 2025 on the file of the Sessions Judge, Magalir Neethimandram, Salem, and thus render justice. For Petitioner(s):
Mr.W.Camyles Gandhi For Respondent(s):
Mr.S.Vinoth Kumar Government Advocate (Criminal Side)
ORDER
The petitioner, who was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on 12.05.2025 for the alleged offences punishable under Sections 103(2), 309(4), 332(a) and 311 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, in Crime No.288
of 2025 on the file of the respondent police, seeks bail.
2. It is the case of the prosecution that, the petitioner committed a brutal double murder and dacoity. The victims, who were the parents of the defacto complainant, resided on the ground floor of their residence while the complainant lived on the first floor. On 11.05.2025, at about 3:45 PM, the complainant attempted to contact his mother through telephone; receiving no response, he went downstairs to find his mother deceased and his father in a critical condition lying in a pool of blood. It is further alleged that 10 sovereigns of gold jewellery were robbed from the victims. The investigation reveals a premeditated and cold-blooded execution of the crime by the petitioner. Hence the case.
3. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that petitioner has been falsely implicated and that the respondent police have foisted a triable case against him. It is submitted that although the petitioner was detained under Act 14 of 1982, the said detention order was quashed by this Court on 16.02.2026. Furthermore, it is brought to the notice of this Court that the charge sheet has been filed and the trial is currently underway in S.C. No. 275 of 2025 before the learned Sessions Judge, Magalir Neethimandram, Salem. Hence prayed for grant of bail.
4. The said contention was strongly opposed by the learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) appearing for the respondent, who submitted that the petitioner, who is a native of Bihar, is involved in a case of double murder and robbery of 10 sovereigns of gold. It is further submitted that the trial in S.C. No. 275 of 2025 is at an advanced stage, with 23 witnesses already examined and only two more witnesses remaining. The learned Government Advocate expresses an apprehension that if the petitioner is released at this stage, there is a possibility of absconding and tampering with the remaining witnesses, which would delay the conclusion of the trial.
5. I have given anxious consideration to the submissions made by the learned counsel on either side.
6. Considering the submission of the learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) regarding the gravity of allegations and the fact that the trial is in advance stage and taking into account of the nativity of the petitioner/accused, this Court is of the view that it would not be appropriate to grant bail to the petitioner at this stage.
7. Accordingly, the Criminal Original Petition is dismissed. 25-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Jeni To 1.The Sessions Judge, Magalir Neethimandram, Salem. 2.The Superintendent, Central Prison, Salem.
3.The Inspector of Police, Sooramangalam Police Station, Salem District.
4.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras, Chennai.
C.KUMARAPPAN, J.
Jeni 25-03-2026