Vasantha v. State Rep. By The Investigating Officer,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 09-04-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN Vasantha W/o. Nataraj, Pillaiyar Koil Street, Narayanapuram Village, Ethapattu MAD URA, Melmalaiyanur Taluk, Villupuram District.

..Petitioner(s) Vs State rep. by The Investigating Officer, Avalurpettai Police Station, Villupuram District.

(Crime No. 52 of 2025) ..Respondent(s) PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of BNSS, 2023, to enlarge the Petitioner on bail in the event of her arrest pending trial in PRC No. 65 of 2026 on the file of the Judicial Magistrate Court, Gingee and thus render justice.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.V.R.Appaswamee For Respondent(s):

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

ORDER

The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offence punishable under Section 194(3) of BNS, which was

altered to Section 80 of BNS, in Crime No.52 of 2025, on the file of the respondent Police, seeks anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that the petitioner is the mother-in-law of the deceased. It is alleged that due to dowry harassment by the petitioner along with first petitioner, the deceased committed suicide. Hence, a case has been registered against the petitioner.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the occurrence took place on 19.03.2025 and the FIR was registered on 20.03.2025. He further submitted that the petitioner is the mother-in-law of the deceased and the first petitioner has already been released on bail by this Court in Crl.OP.No.13434 of 2025 dated 08.05.2025. He further submitted that the petitioner has no role in the alleged occurrence. Hence, he prays to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) appearing for the respondent police reiterated the prosecution case and upon relying on the RDO report, he submitted that the deceased was subjected to harassment, which has been indicated in the said report. Hence, he opposed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

5. I have given my anxious consideration to either side submissions.

6. On perusal of the R.D.O. report, it is seen that there are no specific or serious allegations against the petitioner.

7. Taking into consideration the totality of the circumstances and the fact that there is no serious allegation against the petitioner, the co-accused was released on bail by this Court and that the petitioner is a woman, this Court is of the firm view that at this length of time, the custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required. Hence, this Court is inclined to enlarge the petitioner on anticipatory bail, subject to certain conditions.

7. Accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail in the event of arrest or on her appearance, within a period of fifteen (15) days from the date on which the order copy is made ready, before the learned Judicial Magistrate, Gingee, 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;

(c) The petitioner shall report before the respondent police daily at 10.30 am for a period of two weeks and thereafter as and when required;

(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.

09-04-2026 DRL

To

1. The Judicial Magistrate, Gingee.

2.The Investigating Officer, Avalurpettai Police Station, Villupuram District.

(Crime No. 52 of 2025) 3.The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.

C.KUMARAPPAN, J.

DRL 09-04-2026