A. Selvam v. The State Rep. By The Inspector Of Police

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 03-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN A. Selvam

...Petitioner

Vs The State Rep. by The Inspector of Police, Polur Police Station, Thiruvannamalai District.

..Respondent Prayer: Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, praying to enlarge the petitioner on anticipatory bail in the event of his arrest in respect of Crime No.126 of 2026, on the file of the Inspector of Police, Polur Police Station, Thiruvannamalai District, pending investigation.

For Petitioner:

Mr. S.B. Vishwanathan For Respondent:

Ms.R.S.Indira Government Advocate (Criminal Side)

ORDER

The petitioner apprehends arrest for the alleged offence under Sections 303(2) and 326(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Section 379 and 430 of Indian Penal Code respectively) read with Section 21(5) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 in Crime No.126 of 2026 on the file of the respondent police seeks anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that the petitioner has illegally transported 1 unit of vandal sand using a JCB without any valid permit. Hence, the case.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this case. He further submitted that he is ready to abide by any stringent condition that may be imposed by this Court and ready to co-operate for investigation. Hence, he prays to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondent police reiterated the prosecution case and, upon instructions, submitted that no previous cases have been registered against the petitioner. However, she opposed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioners.

5. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) for the respondent.

6. From the submission made by the learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) it is seen that the petitioner had no bad antecedents. Though, this Court views the offence of theft of natural resources and its exploitation as

serious offence, taking into consideration of the fact that petitioner had no previous cases, and upon the fond hope that he would mend himself in future and would not come under the adverse notice of the respondent, this Court is inclined to enlarge him on anticipatory bail, subject to 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 days from the date on which the order copy is made ready, before the learned Judicial Magistrate's Court, Polur, Thiruvannamalai District on condition that the petitioner shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) with two sureties each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the learned Magistrate concerned, and on further conditions: (a) If the petitioner 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/accused is directed to produce a demand draft for a sum of Rs.60,000/- (Rupees Sixty Thousand only) in favour of the 'The Chairman/District Collector, The District Mineral Foundation Trust of

Tiruvannamalai District', (Non refundable) before the learned Judicial Magistrate Polur, Tiruvannamalai District; (d) On production of the above Demand Draft, the learned Magistrate is directed to take necessary steps to hand over the same to the District Collector. Upon receipt of the said amount, the District Collector shall realise and utilise the same strictly in accordance with law and in terms of G.O.Ms.No.84, Natural Resources (MMD.1) Department, dated 16.12.2025;

(e) The petitioner shall report before the respondent police daily at 10.30 am for a period of four weeks; (f) On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate actions against the petitioner in accordance with law as if the conditions have been imposed and the petitioner 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];

(g) If the petitioner thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 of BNS Act.

03.06.2026 veda To

1. The Judicial Magistrate Polur, Tiruvannamalai District

2. The Inspector of Police, Polur Police Station, Thiruvannamalai District.

3. The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.

C.KUMARAPPAN, J.

VEDA

4. The Chairman/District Collector, The District Mineral Foundation Trust of Tiruvannamalai District. 03-06-2026