Soundhar v. The Inspector Of Police

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 15-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN Soundhar No.68, Palampattu, Anaicut Taluk, Vellore District.

..Petitioner(s) Vs The Inspector Of Police Forest Range Officer, Odugathur Forest Office, Vellore District.

(STOR No.02/2025) ..Respondent(s) PRAYER: Criminal Original Petition has been filed under Section 482 of BNSS, praying to enlarge the petitioner on bail in the event of arrest a case in STOR no.02 of 2025 on the file of the respondent and thus render justice For Petitioner(s):

Mr.Deepak Kumar C For Respondent(s):

Mr.N.Palanivel, Government Advocate (Crl. Side)

ORDER

The petitioner apprehends arrest for the alleged offence under Sections 1882 TNFA 5th Sec.21(d), (e), (f) and 36 A of BNS in STOR.No.02/2025 on the file of the respondent police seeks anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that the petitioner along with co-accused unlawfully trespassed into the reserve forest and committed theft of 73.370 Kgs of sandalwood trees, which is a precious wood and endangered plant worth about Rs.1,10,000/-. Hence the case.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is an innocent and has not committed any offences alleged by the prosecution and he has been falsely implicated in this case. He further submitted that he is ready to abide by any conditions that may be imposed by this Court and ready to cooperate with the investigation. Hence, he prayed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) appearing for the respondent police reiterated the prosecution case and he vehemently opposed the grant of bail to the petitioner.

5. I have given my anxious consideration to either side submissions and perused the materials available on record.

6. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, taking note of the submissions made by the learned counsel on both sides, taking into consideration of the seriousness of the allegation, this Court is of the firm view

that it is not appropriate to enlarge the petitioner at this stage. Hence, this Court is not inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

7. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition is dismissed. 15-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order AH To 1.The Inspector of Police, Forest Range Officer, Odugathur Forest Office, Vellore District.

2.The Judicial Magistrate No.III, Vellore.

3.The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.

C.KUMARAPPAN, J.

AH 15-06-2026