Sivakolundhu v. The State Rep By, The Sub-Inspector Of Police

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 09-04-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN Sivakolundhu ..Petitioner(s) Vs State Rep By, The Sub-Inspector of Police Karuveppilankurichi Police Station, Virudhachalam Taluk, Cuddalore District.

Crime No.300/2025 ..Respondent(s) Criminal Original Petition has been filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to grant Anticipatory bail enlarging the petitioner in the event of arrest in Cr.No.300/2025 on the file of respondent police and thus render Justice.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.G.Kadhiresan For Respondent(s):

Mr.P.Dhileepan Government Advocate (Criminal Side)

ORDER

The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for offences punishable under Sections 4(1)(C) and 4(1)(A) of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937, as amended by the Tamil Nadu Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 2024, in Crime No.300 of 2025 on the file of the respondent police, seeks anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that on the day of the alleged occurrence, acting on specific intelligence regarding the illegal selling of liquor, the respondent police conducted an inspection. During the course of the operation, the petitioner was found to be in illegal possession of one number of 375ml and 3 numbers of 180ml bottles of liquor. Hence, the case.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is in no way connected to this case and has been falsely implicated. He further submitted that the petitioner has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution. Hence, he prays to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) appearing for the respondent police, while reiterating the prosecution case, strongly opposed the grant of anticipatory bail. He submitted that the petitioner was found in possession of liquor bottles which was found by the respondent police and that the investigation is still pending. He further contended that if the petitioner is released on anticipatory bail, there is a high likelihood that she may abscond or continue to commit similar offences in the future, thereby hindering the investigation.

5. Considering the fact that the case involves a prohibition offence, which has serious ramifications and a detrimental impact on society, and taking into

account that the seizure of a substantial quantity of liquor bottles suggests involvement in organised illegal trade rather than mere possession for personal consumption, this Court finds it necessary to unearth the network behind such illegal transportation. Accordingly, this Court is of the opinion that custodial interrogation is necessary for an effective investigation. Consequently, this Court is not inclined to grant anticipatory bail at this stage.

6. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition is dismissed. 09-04-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Jeni To 1.The Judicial Magistrate-II, Virudhachalam.

2.The Sub-Inspector of Police, Karuveppilankurichi Police Station, Virudhachalam Taluk, Cuddalore District.

3.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras, Chennai.

C.KUMARAPPAN, J.

Jeni 09-04-2026