Veerabathiran.V v. State Rep.By, The Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 20-04-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN Veerabathiran.V ..Petitioner(s) Vs State Rep. by, The Inspector of Police, E-10, Kayaru Police Station, Chengalpattu District.

..Respondent(s) Criminal Original Petition has been filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to enlarge the Petitioner on bail in event of their arrest in Crime No.22 of 2026 pending investigation on the file of Respondent police.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.Belman.P For Respondent(s):

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

ORDER

The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for offences punishable under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, @ Section 108 of the BNS, in Crime No.22 of 2026, seek anticipatory bail.

2. According to the prosecution, the petitioner/A2 allegedly shared disparaging information with his brother regarding the character of the brother's wife. This led to a quarrel between the husband and wife, following which the deceased committed suicide by pouring kerosene on herself and setting herself on fire. Hence, the case.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner has been falsely implicated and is in no way connected to the alleged offence. He further submits that the petitioner has no prior bad antecedents and that, in any event, custodial interrogation is not required for the purpose of the investigation. Furthermore, he brings to the attention of this Court that the first accused (A1) has already been granted bail, and on the ground of parity, the petitioner is also entitled to the same relief.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing on behalf of the respondent police, while opposing the grant of anticipatory bail, reiterated the prosecution's case. He further, on instructions, submitted that the petitioner instigated a domestic quarrel by making disparaging remarks about the character of the deceased, which directly led to her committing suicide by self-immolation. He further contended that the petitioner's actions constitute a serious offence under Section 108 of the BNS. He further submitted that the petitioner has no bad antecedents.

5. Considering the totality of the circumstances and the fact that the petitioner has no prior bad antecedents, this Court takes note of the submission that the first accused (A1) has already been granted bail. On the ground of parity, and considering that the alleged provocation is indirect in nature and does not prima facie necessitate custodial interrogation for the purpose of investigation, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner subject to certain conditions.

6. Accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail in the event of arrest or on his appearance, within a period of fifteen (15) days from the date on which the order copy is made ready, before the learned Judicial Magistrate, Thiruporur, 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 likesum to the satisfaction of the learned Magistrate concerned, and on further conditions:

(a) If the petitioner(s) 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(s) shall report before the respondent police daily at 10.30 a.m and 05.30 p.m for a period of one month and thereafter as and when required for interrogation;

(d) the petitioner(s) shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial; (e) On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate actions against the petitioner(s) in accordance with law as if the conditions have been imposed and the petitioner(s) 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];

(f) If the petitioner(s) thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 of BNS Act. Index: Yes/No 20-04-2026 Speaking/Non-speaking order Jeni

To 1.The Judicial Magistrate, Thiruporur.

2.The Inspector of Police, E-10, Kayaru Police Station, Chengalpattu District. 3.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras, Chennai.

C.KUMARAPPAN, J.

Jeni 20-04-2026