Elizabeth Vatsala v. The Forest Range Officer

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 22.09.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N. SATHISH KUMAR Crl.O.P.No. 25955 of 2025 Elizabeth Vatsala ... Petitioner Vs.

The Forest Range Officer, Yercaud, Salem District.

... Respondent Prayer: Criminal Original Petition is filed under Section 528 BNSS, 2023, to grant a direction directing the District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate, Yercaud, to permit the petitioner to appear through video conference in S.T.C.No.525 of 2023 on the file of the District Munsifcum-Judicial Magistrate, Yercaud. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Selvaraj For Respondent : Mr.R.Vinoth Raja Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

O R D E R

This Criminal Original Petition has been filed to direct the District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate, Yercaud, to permit the petitioner to appear through videoconferencing in S.T.C.No.525 of 2023 on the file of the District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate, Yercaud.

2. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the Page Nos.1/4

materials available on record.

3. The grievance of the petitioner is that she is aged about 84 years and suffering from old age ailments and also facing charges under Section 3(1)(a) of the Tamil Nadu Hill Areas (Preservation of Trees) Act, 1955. It is further stated that alleged offence is not a serious offence and hence, she pleads guilty and to pay fine for the said offence. Therefore, she seeks a direction to appear before the trial Court through videoconferencing in S.T.C.No.525 of 2023.

4. Considering the age of the petitioner, let the learned District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate, Yercaud, permit the petitioner to appear through videoconferencing in S.T.C.No.525 of 2023 and to dispose of the case on merits and in accordance with law as early as possible.

5. In view of the above, this Criminal Original petition is disposed of.

22.09.2025 Index : Yes/No Speaking Order : Yes/No ms Page Nos.2/4

To

1. The District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate, Yercaud.

2. The Forest Range Officer, Yercaud, Salem District.

3. The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.

Page Nos.3/4

N. SATHISH KUMAR, J.

ms 22.09.2025 Page Nos.4/4