Chidambaram v. The State Rep. By Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 05.06.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN Crl.O.P.No.14191 of 2026 1.Chidambaram 2.Jothi ... Petitioners Vs.

State represented by The Inspector of Police, Walajapet Police Station, Ranipet District.

... Respondent (Crime No.225 of 2026) PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to enlarge the petitioners on anticipatory bail in the event of arrest pending investigation in Crime No.225 of 2026 on the file of the respondent police.

For Petitioner :

Mr.A.Vijayakumar For Respondent :

Mrs.R.S.Indira Government Advocate (Crl. Side)

O R D E R

The petitioners, who apprehend arrest for the alleged offence under Sections 303(2) and 326(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, 2023 in Crime No.225 of 2026, on the file of the respondent police seeks anticipatory bail.

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2. The allegation against the petitioners is that the petitioners were involved in illegal transportation of 3 units of M-Sand without any valid permit or license and that the petitioners was caught red handed by the respondent police. Hence, the case.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that the petitioners are innocent and they have not committed any such offence as alleged by the prosecution and that they have been falsely implicated in this case. He further submitted that the petitioners are ready to abide by any stringent condition that may be imposed by this Court and they are ready to co-operate for investigation. Hence, he prays to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioners.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) appearing for the respondent police reiterated the prosecution case and submitted that the first petitioner is the driver of the vehicle and the second petitioner is its owner. She would further submitted that no previous cases have been registered against the petitioners. However, she opposed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioners.

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5. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) for the respondent.

6. From the submission made by the learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) the petitioners do not have any previous cases. Though, this Court views the offence of theft of natural resources and its exploitation as serious offence, taking into consideration of the fact that they have no previous cases, and upon the fond hope that they would mend themselves in future and would not come under the adverse notice of the respondent, this Court is inclined to enlarge them on anticipatory bail, subject to certain conditions.

7. Accordingly, the petitioners are ordered to be released on anticipatory bail in the event of arrest or on their appearance, within a period of fifteen (15) days from the date on which the order copy made ready, before the Judicial Magistrate Court, Walajapet, Ranipet District, on condition that the petitioners shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.20,000/- (Rupees Twenty Thousand only), each 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 Magistrate within a period of fifteen (15) days from 3/6

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 petitioners/accused are directed to produce a demand draft for a sum of deposit Rs.80,000/- (Rs.40,000/- each) in favour of the 'The Chairman/District Collector, The District Mineral Foundation Trust of Ranipet District', (Non refundable) before the learned Judicial Magistrate, Walajapet, Ranipet District; 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;

(d) The 1st petitioner shall report before the respondent police twice a day at 10.30 a.m., and 5.30 p.m., for a period of four weeks and thereafter, as and when required for interrogation and the 2nd petitioner shall appear before the respondent police as and when required for interrogation;

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(e) On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate actions against the petitioners in accordance with law as if the conditions have been imposed and the petitioners 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];

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

05.06.2026 ata To:

1.The Judicial Magistrate Court, Walajapet, Ranipet District. 2.The Inspector of Police, Walajapet Police Station, Ranipet District. 3.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras. 5/6

C.KUMARAPPAN,J., ata Crl.O.P.No.14191 of 2026 05.06.2026 6/6