L.Raja v. The State Rep.By

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 15-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN

1. L.Raja

2. R.Sivakumar ..Petitioners Vs The State rep.by Inspector of Police, Katpadi P.S, Vellore District.

Crime No.138/2026.

..Respondent 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 their arrest in Crime No.138 of 2026 on the file of the respondent herein.

For Petitioners:

Mr.Pavithra Priyadarshini A For Respondent:

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

ORDER

The petitioners apprehend arrest for the alleged offence under Sections 303(2) and 326(a) of Bharathiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 in Crime No.138 of 2026 on the file of the respondent police seeks anticipatory bail.

2. The allegation against the petitioners is that the petitioners were involved in illegal transportation of 5 units of river sand without any valid permit or licence by using lorry. Hence, the case.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that the petitioners were innocent and that they have been falsely implicated in this case. He further submitted that they 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, upon instructions, submitted that no previous cases have been registered against the petitioners. However, he opposed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioners.

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

6. From the submission made by the learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) the petitioner does 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 he has no previous case, 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 them on anticipatory bail, subject to certain conditions.

7.Accordingly, the petitioners are ordered to be released on bail in the event of arrest or on their appearance, within a period of fifteen days from the date on which the order copy is made ready, before the learned Judicial Magistrate, Katpadi, Vellore on condition that the petitioners shall execute a separate 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 petitioners 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 petitioners/accused are directed to produce a demand draft for a sum of Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees One lakh only), each Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) in favour of the 'The Chairman/District Collector, The District Mineral Foundation Trust of Vellore District', (Non refundable) before the learned Judicial Magistrate, Katpadi, Vellore.

(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 realize and utilize 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 petitioners 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 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];

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

15-06-2026 NSL To

1. The Inspector of Police, Katpadi P.S, Vellore District.

2. The Public Prosecutor High Court of Madras.

3. The Judicial Magistrate, Katpadi, Vellore.

C.KUMARAPPAN, J.

NSL 15-06-2026