Gopi v. The State Represented By

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 08.05.2025

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI Gopi ... Petitioner Vs.

State Rep. by, The Inspector of Police, Thiruvalam Police Station, Vellore District.

(Crime No.59 of 2025).

... Respondent PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, pleased to enlarge the petitioner on bail, in Crime No.59 of 2025, pending investigation on the file of the respondent Police. For Petitioner :

Mr.S.Thirugnanam For Respondent :

Ms.J.R.Archana Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

O R D E R

Petition seeking bail in respect of Crime No.59 of 2025 registered for the alleged offences punishable under Sections 7(5), 20(2) of the Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 r/w Section 123 of BNS, is on board for consideration.

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2. The case of the prosecution is that the petitioner/A2 along with another accused were in illegally possession of 1.500 kilograms of banned tobacco products. Hence the case.

3. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is an innocent person and he has been falsely implicated in this case. He also submitted that the petitioner is in no way connected with the alleged offence, however, without prejudice to the defence and contention, is ready and willing to deposit a sum of Rs.15,000/- to any welfare scheme of the Government or any other organization. He further submitted that the petitioner is suffering incarceration from 22.04.2025 and he is ready to abide by any stringent condition that may be imposed by this Court.

4. Learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondent police, while opposing for grant of bail to the petitioner/A2, reiterated the prosecution case and submitted that the petitioner was arrested on 22.04.2025 and the contraband were also seized.

5. Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record. 2/4

6. Considering the voluntary submission made by the learned counsel for the petitioner, the petitioner is directed to deposit a sum of Rs.15,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Thousand only) as non-refundable deposit, to the credit of Manolaya, Home for Mentally Ill Destitute, Bank Name: Indian Overseas Bank, Branch: Kottaram, IFSC Code: IOBA0000253, Account Name: Manolaya, Account No.025302000000284, UPI ID: 6379484925@okbizicici, Gpay:9443307196, without prejudice to the right of defence before the Trial Court and making it clear that it would not amount to admission of guilt.

7. Accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail on his executing 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 learned Judicial Magistrate, Katpadi, Vellore, and on further conditions that: [a] 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, everyday at 10.30 a.m., for a period of one month and thereafter, as and when required for further interrogation; [c] the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial;

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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

ham [d] the petitioner 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 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]; [f] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 of B.N.S.

08.05.2025 ham 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 the official website of this Court will be watermarked and will also have a QR code.

To

1. The Judicial Magistrate, Katpadi, Vellore.

2. The Inspector of Police, Thiruvalam Police Station, Vellore District.

3. The Superintendent, Central Prison, Vellore.

4. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras. 4/4