Calraj v. State By

K.KUMARESH BABU, J.

The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offences punishable under Sections 7, 55(2), 58 and 61 of the Indian Bio Diversity Act 2022, in BDOR No.1 of 2023, seeks anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that the petitioner is running hatchery business. Based on the secret information, the forest officials inspected the petitioner's shop and he was found in illegal possession of 40 Kgs of earth worms (Polychaete). Hence, the case.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution and a false case has been foisted against him for statistical purpose. Hence, he prayed for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) appearing for the respondent police submitted that the petitioner was found in illegal possession of 40 Kgs of earth worms (Polychaete). Hence, he opposed for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

5. Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record.

6. Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner with certain conditions.

7. Accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail in the event of arrest or on his appearance, within a period of fifteen days from the date on which the order copy made ready, before the learned Judicial Magistrate -I, Tirukazhukundram, on condition that the petitioner shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only) with two sureties each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the respondent police or the police officer who intends to arrest or to

the satisfaction of the learned Magistrate concerned, failing which, the petition for anticipatory bail shall stand dismissed and on further condition that:

[a] the petitioner and the sureties shall affix their photographs and Left Thumb Impression in the surety bond and the Magistrate may obtain a copy of their Aadhar card or Bank pass Book to ensure their identity.

[b] the petitioner shall report before the respondent police every Monday and Friday at 10.30 a.m., for a period of two weeks and thereafter as and when required for interrogation.

[c] the petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial.

[d] the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial.

[e] On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate action against the petitioner in accordance with law as if the conditions have been imposed and the petitioner 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].

K.KUMARESH BABU, J.

nti/nr [f] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 229A IPC.

17.05.2023 nti/nr