Moorthi v. The State Rep By Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 23.06.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE Mr. JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN 1.Moorthi 2.Jeyasurya 3.Kalaiselvan 4.Dineshkumar ... Petitioners Vs.

The State Rep. by The Inspector of Police, Pollachi East Police Station, Coimbatore District.

(Crime No.176 of 2026) ... Respondent PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Act, 2023, praying to enlarge the petitioners on anticipatory bail in the event of their arrest in Crime No.176 of 2026 pending investigation on the file of the respondent police. For Petitioners : Mr.A.Jahan For Respondent : Mrs.R.S.Indira, Government Advocate (Crl.Side) 1/6

ORDER

The petitioners apprehend arrest for the alleged offences under Sections 296(b), 118(1), 351(3) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita [Corresponding to Sections 294(b), 324 and 506(2) of IPC] and Sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s) and 3(1)(z) of the Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Subsequently, the offences under the SC/ST Act were altered to Sections 296(b), 118(1), 351(3) of Bharathiya Byaya Sanhita [Corresponding to Sections 294(b), 324 and 506(2) of IPC] in Crime No.176 of 2026 on the file of the respondent police seeks anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that, on 19.05.2026, the son of the de facto complainant was allegedly assaulted with a broken beer bottle by the accused persons and sustained injuries. Hence, the case.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that the petitioners are innocent and have not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution and that they have been falsely implicated in this case. He further submitted that the petitioner is innocent and has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution and that he has been falsely implicated in this case. Hence, he prayed for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioners. 2/6

4. The learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) appearing for the respondent police opposed the grant of anticipatory bail and submitted that the FIR was initially registered under the provisions of the SC/ST Act and was subsequently altered to the offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. She further submitted that the case and the counter case arise out of the same occurrence and that the injured has been discharged from the hospital.

5. Taking into consideration the totality of the circumstances, including the fact that the occurrence took place on 19.05.2026 and that the injured has been discharged from the hospital, this Court is of the firm view that, at this length of time, further custodial interrogation of the petitioners is not required. Hence, this Court is inclined to enlarge the petitioners on anticipatory bail, subject to certain conditions.

6. 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 learned Judicial Magistrate No.I, Pollachi, on condition that the petitioners shall execute a separate bond for a sum of Rs.20,000/- (Rupees Twenty Thousand only), with two sureties each for a like sum to 3/6

the satisfaction of the learned Magistrate concerned, and on further conditions:

(a) If the petitioners fails to surrender before the concerned 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 shall report before the respondent police daily at 10.30 a.m. for a period of 30 days, and thereafter, as and when required for interrogation;

(d) 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];

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(e) If the petitioners thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 of BNS Act. 23.06.2026 cda To 1.The Judicial Magistrate No.I, Pollachi.

2.The Inspector of Police, Pollachi East Police Station, Coimbatore District.

3.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

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C.KUMARAPPAN, J.

cda 23.06.2026 6/6