Velankanni v. State Rep By

C.V.KARTHIKEYAN,J.

The petitioner/A2 seeks anticipatory bail in Crime No.258 of 2023 registered by the respondent police for the offence punishable under Sections 8(c), 20(b)(ii)(A) of NDPS Act with respect to an occurrence which took place on 18.11.2023.

2. It is stated that the petitioner was found in possession of 220 grams of ganja. It is further stated that A1 had been arrested and granted bail. It has confessed that A1 had purchased the ganja from this petitioner.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is an innocent person and he is ready to abide by any condition imposed by this Court. Hence, he prays for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

4. Taking all the factors into consideration and the contraband seized is an intermediate quantity, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

5. Accordingly, the petitioner shall deposit a sum of Rs.10,000/- [Rupees Ten Thousand Only] to the credit of Tamil Nadu Advocate's Clerk's Association, High Court Buildings, High Court, Chennai, Account Name: Tamil Nadu Advocate's Clerk's Association, A/c No.484026006, Indian Bank, High Court Branch, IFSC Code:IDIB000M157 on or before 19.01.2024 and on such deposit and the production of proof, 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 Metropolitan Magistrate-II, Egmore, Chennai-8 on condition that the petitioner shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only) with two sureties 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 report before the respondent police on everyday at 10.30 a.m., for a period of two weeks and thereafter as and when required for interrogation.

[c] the petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial.

[d] the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial.

[e] On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate action against the petitioner in accordance 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].

[f] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 229A IPC.

Vv 03.01.2024

C.V.KARTHIKEYAN,J.

Vv 03.01.2024