A.Muthazhagan v. Inspector Of Police

Crl.O.P.No.21966 of 2023 C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J.

The petitioners, who apprehend arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offences punishable under Sections 498(A), 294(b), and 506(i) of IPC r/w Section 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act in Crime No.23 of 2023, seek anticipatory bail.

2.My learned predecessor by an order dated 26.09.2023 had directed the respondent not to take any coercive step against the petitioners and had referred the issues to be examined by the District Mediation and Conciliation Centre, Cuddalore. 3.It is now reported by the learned counsel that the mediation efforts failed. It is also reported by the learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) that after investigation has been completed a charge sheet has been filed categorizing all the three as absconding accused. 1/3

4.Therefore, this Criminal Original Petition seeking anticipatory bail would not lie and the same is dismissed. 5.But however, the Additional Mahila Court, Cuddalore, may also take note of the fact that on 26.09.2023, a learned Single Judge of this Court had directed the respondent not to take any coercive step against the petitioners and therefore, they have not taken the petitioners into custody and though the anticipatory bail petition was pending before this Court no orders had been passed by this Court, till date of filing of the charge sheet. All these factors may be kept in mind by the Presiding Officer, Additional Mahila Court, Cuddalore.

6.The petitioners can additionally take advantage of Rules 22 and 24 and also Form - 74 of the Criminal Rules of Practice 30.01.2024 smv 2/3

C.V.KARTHIKEYAN , J.

smv Crl.O.P.No.21966 of 2023 30.01.2024 3/3