Saikrishnan v. The State Rep.By

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 16.05.2024

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE R.SAKTHIVEL Crl.O.P.No.12119 of 2024 Saikrishnan S/o.Ellapan ..Petitioner/Accused Vs.

The State rep by The Inspector of Police, Chengalpet PEW Police Station Chengalpet District.

(Crime No.177 of 2024)

...Respondent/Complainant

PRAYER: The Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 439 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 praying to grant bail to the petitioner in Crime No.177 of 2024 dated 06.04.2024 on the file of the respondent police For Petitioner : Mr.K.Vignesh For Respondent : Mr.C.E.Prathap Government Advocate (Crl. Side)

ORDER

This Criminal Original Petition has been filed by the petitioner on 14.05.2024 under Section 439 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (Act No.2 of 1974) praying to grant bail.

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2. The petitioner/accused was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on 06.04.2024 for the alleged offences punishable under Sections 8(c), 20(b)(ii)(B), 25 & 29(1) of the NDPS Act in Crime No.177 of 2024 dated 06.04.2024 on the file of the respondent-police. 3.The case of the prosecution is that on 04.04.2024 the respondent received secret information about handling of Ganja in the locality and found the petitioner and another person to be in possession of 1.800kgs of Ganja in a travel bag. Hence, the case.

4.The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is innocent and he has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution. He further submitted that the petitioner is in judicial custody from 06.04.2024. He, therefore, prayed to grant bail to the petitioner.

5.The learned Government Advocate (Criminal side) appearing for the respondent police submitted that the petitioner and other accused 2/7

were found to be in possession of 1.800kgs of Ganja. He further submitted that the petitioner is having one previous case of similar nature. He would further submit that investigation is not yet completed and at this stage of investigation, if bail is granted to the petitioner, he will tamper the evidence. Accordingly, he prayed to dismiss this Criminal Original Petition.

6. Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record. 7.The petitioner is having one previous case of similar nature. He has permanent residence and deep roots in the society. Hence, there is less possibility for absconding. Considering the above reasons, the period of incarceration and also with a view to give him an opportunity to reform himself, this Court is inclined to grant bail to the petitioner, however, subject to conditions. Accordingly, bail is granted to the petitioner subject to the following conditions: (i) The petitioner shall execute a bond for Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) and furnish two sureties each for a like sum 3/7

of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) to the satisfaction of the learned Principal Special Court under EC & NDPS Act, Chennai.

(ii) The petitioner shall appear and sign before the respondent police daily at 10.00 a.m., until further orders; (iii) The sureties shall affix their photographs and left thumb impression in the Application for Suretyship [Judicial Form No.46 annexed to 'The Criminal Rules of Practice, 2019']. The learned Principal Special Court shall obtain a copy of any one of identity proofs to ensure their identity;

(iv) The petitioner shall not, directly or indirectly, cause any threat to the witnesses; and (v) On breach of any of the aforementioned conditions, the learned Principal Special Court is entitled to pass appropriate orders against the petitioner in accordance with law as if the aforementioned conditions are imposed by themselves as laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in P.K.Shaji Vs. State of Kerala [(2005)13 SCC 283]. 4/7

8. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition is allowed subject to the conditions stated supra.

16.05.2024 Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes/No tsh Note:-

1. Registry is directed to forthwith upload this order in the official website of this Court.

2. All concerned to act on this order being uploaded in official website of this Court without insisting on certified hard copies. To be noted, this order when uploaded in official website of this Court will be watermarked and will also have a QR code.

To 1.The The Inspector of Police, Chengalpet PEW Police Station Chengalpet District.

2.The Principal Special Court under EC & NDPS Act, Chennai.

3. The Superintendent, Puzhal -II prison, Chennai. 4.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras. 5/7

R.SAKTHIVEL.

J.

tsh Crl.O.P.No.12119 of 2024 16.05.2024 6/7

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