M.Asokan v. The Inspector Of Police
S. SOUNTHAR, J.
The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offences punishable under Sections 4(1)(a) of Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, in Crime No.64 of 2023 on the file of the respondent police, seeks anticipatory bail.
2. The case of the prosecution is that on 21.01.2023, the respondent police searched one pump set belonging to one Harikrishna Iyer in which they seized 312 Brandi bottles and since the said Harikrishna Iyer is residing at Chennai, the petitioner herein kept the said bottles in the said pump set. The respondent police seized the contraband and registered a case against the petitioner. Hence, the complaint.
3. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is an innocent person and he has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution. He would also submit that without prejudice, the petitioner is prepared to deposit a sum of Rs.10,000/- to any welfare scheme of the Government and he prays for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner.
4. The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) would submit that the petitioner was found in possession of 312 bottles of brandi in a pump set belonging to one Harikrishna Iyer. He would also submit that there is two previous case pending as against the petitioner. Hence, he vehemently opposed to grant 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, the submissions made on both sides and also taking note of the fact that the petitioner has come forward to deposit an amount of Rs.10,000/- to "Dean/Medical Officer, Government Tiruvannamalai Medical College and Hospital, Tiruvannamalai", this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner with certain conditions.
7. Accordingly, the petitioner is directed to deposit a sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only) directly to "Dean/Medical Officer, Government Tiruvannamalai Medical College and Hospital, Tiruvannamalai" and on such deposit and on receipt of proof of payment, 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, Cheyyar, Tiruvannamalai, on condition that the petitioner shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five 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 deposit a sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only) directly to "Dean/Medical Officer, Government Tiruvannamalai Medical College and Hospital, Tiruvannamalai" to enable the Dean to use the aforesaid amount for the purpose of treating the alcohol influenced patients.
[c] the petitioner shall report before the respondent police daily at 10.30 a.m., for a period of two
weeks and thereafter as and when required for interrogation.
[d] the petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial. [e] the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial.
[f] 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].
[g] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 229A IPC.
05.05.2023 nl
S. SOUNTHAR. J.
nl 05.05.2023