Balasundaram v. The State Represented By, The Sub- Inspector Of Police,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 14.07.2025
CORAM:
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN Balasundaram ... Petitioner
Versus
State represented by, Sub-Inspector of Police, Panruti Police Station, Cuddalore District.
(Cr.No.250 of 2025) ... Respondent PRAYER: Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to enlarge the petitioner on bail in the event of arrest in connection with Crime No.250 of 2025 on the file of respondent Police.
For Petitioner : Mr.Rahamath Ali For Respondent : Mr.Leonard Arul Joseph Selvam Government Advocate (Crl. Side) *****
ORDER
The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offences punishable under Sections 326(a), 303(2) of BNS and Section 21(1) of Mines and Minerals Act, in Crime Page No.1 of 6
No.250 of 2025, on the file of the respondent Police, seeks anticipatory bail.
2. The case of the prosecution is that the petitioner is alleged to have illegally transported 3 units of river sand by using a lorry without any license. Hence, the case.
3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is an innocent and has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution. He further submits that the petitioner is ready to abide any conditions that may be imposed by this Court. Hence, he prays to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.
4. Learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondent police submitted that the quantity of river sand involved is 3 units. Hence, he vehemently opposed for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner.
5. In view of the rehabilitation undertaken under the Tamil Nadu District Mineral Foundation Rules, 2017, and in order to curb the illegal Page No.2 of 6
sand mining activities, this Court is of the opinion that the petitioner is directed to deposit a sum of Rs.45,000/- (Rupees Forty Five Thousand only) as non refundable deposit to the credit of the concerned District Mineral Foundation Trust, without prejudice to his rights and contentions before the trial Court.
6. Merely, because the petitioner has deposited the said amount, it would not amount to admission of his guilt. Therefore, it is open to the trial Court to deal with the case independently.
7. Taking note of the facts and circumstances, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner with certain conditions.
8. Accordingly, the petitioner is to deposit a sum of Rs.45,000/- (Rupees Forty Five Thousand only) as non refundable deposit to the credit of the concerned District Mineral Foundation Trust and on such deposit, 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 made ready, before the learned Judicial Magistrate No.I, Panruti, on condition that the petitioner shall execute a Page No.3 of 6
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, failing which, the petition for anticipatory bail shall stand dismissed and on further condition that: [a] the petitioner and 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 deposit a sum of Rs.45,000/- (Rupees Forty Five Thousand only) as non refundable deposit to the credit of the concerned District Mineral Foundation Trust;
[c] the petitioner shall report before the respondent Police everyday at 10.30 a.m. for a period of two (2) weeks and thereafter, as and when required for interrogation;
[d] the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial;
[e] the petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial; [f] On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate action against the petitioner in accordance Page No.4 of 6
with law as if the conditions have been imposed 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];
[g] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 of B.N.S. 14.07.2025 sp To 1.The Judicial Magistrate No.I, Panruti.
2.The Sub Inspector of Police, Panruti Police Station, Cuddalore District.
3.The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.
Page No.5 of 6
G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.
sp 14.07.2025 Page No.6 of 6