Mani @ Manikantan v. He State Rep. By The Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 09.05.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI Mani @ Manikantan ... Petitioner(s) /Accused Vs.

State rep. by The Inspector of Police, Thirukoilur Police Station, Thirukoilur ... Respondent(s)/ Complainant Crime No.61 of 2025 Prayer: Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, to enlarge the petitioner on bail in the event of his arrest in Crime No.61 of 2025 pending on the file of the respondent police. For petitioner(s) : Mr.R.Pushpalatha For Respondent(s) : M/s.J.R.Archana Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

O R D E R

The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offences punishable under Sections 3(C), 20(b)(ii)(A) of NDPS Act r/w Section 77 of the JJ Act, 2015 in Crime No.61 of 2025 seeks Page No.1 of 7

anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that the petitioner was found in possession of 200 grams of Ganja.

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 would submit that the petitioner, without prejudice to the defence and contention, is ready and willing to deposit a sum of Rs.10,000/-, to any welfare scheme of the Government or any other organization. He further submits that the petitioner is ready to abide by any stringent condition that may be imposed by this court.

3. Learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) appearing for the respondent police, while opposing the grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, reiterated the prosecution case and on instructions submitted that the petitioner has no bad antecedents.

4. Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record Page No.2 of 7

including the First Information Report.

5. Considering the voluntary submission made by the learned counsel for the petitioners, the petitioners are directed to deposit a sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only) as non-refundable deposit, to the credit of the RAY OF LIGHT FOUNDATION;

A/c No:50100078904233; IFSC code: HDFC0001864; Branch:

Habibullah Road, T Nagar, Chennai without prejudice to the right of defence before the Trial Court and making it clear that it would not amount to admission of guilt.

6. Taking note of the facts and circumstances of the case, nature of allegations, submissions made by the learned counsels on either side, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner with certain conditions.

7. 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 Page No.3 of 7

from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, before the Judicial Magistrate Court, Thirukoilur, on condition that the petitioner shall execute 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 respondent police or the police officer who intends to arrest or to the satisfaction of the learned Magistrate concerned and on further condition 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 interrogation;

[c] the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial; [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 Page No.4 of 7

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 B.N.S.

09.05.2025 Index : Yes/No Speaking Order/Non Speaking Order Internet: Yes/No skr/dpa 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 Page No.5 of 7

1. The Inspector of Police, Thirukoilur Police Station, Thirukoilur

2. The Public Prosecutor, Madras High Court, Chennai.

3. Judicial Magistrate Court, Thirukoilur L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

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