Devaraj v. The State Rep.By

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

Dated : 06.10.2020 CORAM :

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA CRL.O.P.No.15709 of 2020 Devaraj ... Petitioner Vs.

The State ... Respondent Rep. By The Inspector of Police Marandahalli Police Station Dharmapuri District Crime No.1206 of 2020.

PRAYER: Criminal Original Petition is filed under Section 439 of Criminal Procedure Code to enlarge the petitioner on bail in Crime No.1206 of 2020 pending investigation on the file of the respondent police.

For Petitioner : Mr.V.Vargees Amal Raja For Respondent : Mr.T.Shunmugarajeswaran Government Advocate (Crl. Side)

ORDER

(The case has been heard through video conference) The petitioner, who was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on 13.09.2020 for the offences punishable under Section 379 of IPC and 21(1), 21(4) of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 in Crime No.1206 of 2020, on the file of the respondent police, seeks bail.

2.The case of the prosecution is that the petitioner was found to be illegally transporting half unit of river sand in a Tractor, without any permit or valid license.

3.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is an innocent and he has been falsely implicated in this case. On instruction, he would further submit that taking into consideration of the Covid pandemic situation, the petitioner without prejudice to his defence, is prepared to make considerable donation to any charitable Organization or Association, and that the petitioner has been suffering incarceration from 13.09.2020.

4.The learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) would vehemently oppose stating that the petitioner was found to be illegally transporting half unit of river sand without any valid permit and license. He would further submit that the petitioner has got no previous cases.

5.In order to curb the illegal sand mining activities and taking into consideration the voluntary submission made by the petitioner offering to donate/pay considerable amount to any charitable organization or association this Court is of the opinion that the petitioner shall be directed to make a payment / donation for a sum of Rs.5,000/- (Rupees Five Thousand only) to the"Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund, Indian Overseas Bank, Secretariat Branch, Chennai SB.A/c.

No.117201000000070, IFSC Code.

No.IOBA0001172" and on such payment and production of proof, he shall be released on bail on further condition to execute a bond for a sum of Rs.10,000/- (Ten Thousand only) with two sureties each for a likesum sum to the satisfaction of the the learned Judicial Magistrate, Palacode, and on further conditions that; (a) Merely, because the petitioner deposits the said amount, it would not amount to admission of his guilt. Therefore, it is open to the trial Court to deal with the case independently. (b) the petitioner shall report before the respondent police every day at 10.30 a.m. until further orders. (c) the sureties shall affix their photographs and Left Thumb Impression in the surety bond and the learned Magistrate may obtain a copy of their Aadhar card or Bank pass Book to ensure their identity;

(d) the petitioner shall not commit any offences of similar nature;

(e) the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial;

(f) the petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial;

(g) on breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Judicial 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];

(h) if the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 229A IPC.

6.With the above directions, this Criminal Original Petition is ordered.

-sd/- 06/10/2020 This order, on being produced, be punctually observed and carried into execution by all concerned TRUE COPY Sub-Assistant Registrar (Statistics/C.S.) High Court, Madras - 600 104.

TO 1 THE JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE, PALACODE.

2 THE CHIEF JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE DHARMAPURI. [FOR INFORMATION] 3 THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR HIGH COURT, MADRAS.

4 THE INSPECTOR OF POLICE, MARANDAHALLI POLICE STATION, DHARMAPURI DISTRICT.

5 THE SUPERINTENDENT CENTRAL JAIL, SALEM.

6 THE "CHIEF MINISTERS PUBLIC RELIEF FUND, INDIAN OVERSEAS BANK, SECRETARIAT BRANCH, CHENNAI SB.A/C. NO.117201000000070, IFSC CODE. NO.IOBA0001172"

+1 CC to M/S. V.VARGEES AMAL RAJA Advocate on payment of necessary charges SR.NO.6667 CRL OP.15709/2020 Date :06/10/2020 TA-07/10/2020