Dhanalakshmi v. The State Rep By

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 17-12-2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA CRL OP NO. 31443 of 2024 Dhanalakshmi W/o Gowthamraj, No. 57/ 13, Jawaharlal Nehru Street, Palur, Kancheepuram - 603101.

Petitioner(s) Vs The State Rep by The Inspector of Police, Salavakkam Police Station, Kancheepuram District. (Crime No. 256 of 2024) Respondent(s) For Petitioner(s):

Saravanabhavan G S.Amarnath A.Santhanakrishnan For Respondent(s):

Public Prosecutor

ORDER

The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offences punishable under Section 303(2) of BNS Act r/w 21(1) of Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulations) Act, 1957 in Crime No.256 of 2024, on the file of the respondent police, seeks anticipatory bail. 1/6

2.

The case of the prosecution is that on 19.11.2024, while the Assistant Geologist, Kancheepuram was doing regular vehicle check up, found A1 was illegally transporting 6 units of gravel sand without any valid permit or licence in a lorry bearing Registration No.TN-19-AM-6001 and the petitioner herein is the owner of the said lorry. Hence, this case. 3.

Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is innocent and she has been falsely implicated in this case. He would further submit that the petitioner is the owner of the vehicle and without her knowledge, gravel sand has been transported in her vehicle. He further submitted that the petitioner, without prejudice to her contentions, is prepared to deposit an amount of Rs.15,000/- towards any charitable organization or association. Therefore, he prays for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner. 4.

Learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) appearing for the respondent Police opposed for granting of anticipatory bail to the petitioner by stating that, the quantity of gravel sand involved is 6 units and the petitioner is the owner of the vehicle. He also submitted that the petitioner has no previous cases.

5.

Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned 2/6

Government Advocate (Crl.side) for the respondent and perused the materials available on record.

6.

In respect of grant or refusal of anticipatory bail to the persons indulging in illegal sand mining, smuggling and theft of sand and minerals, the Apex Court in S.Mohamed Shahul Hameed Vs. State rep. by the Inspector of Police (Special Leave to Appeal (Crl.) No.6029 of 2020 dated 11.12.2020), while expressing disagreement with the sweep observation made by this Court on the aspect of continuous misuse of discretionary power by the offenders and the enforcers as well in an organised manner, has clarified that in consideration of anticipatory bail, the role assigned to a person would have to be considered. 7.

Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case and the petitioner herein is the owner of the vehicle and without his knowledge the gravel sand has been transported in his vehicle and the petitioner has no previous case, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner. However, in order to curb illegal sand mining activities and taking into consideration the voluntary submission made by the petitioner offering to deposit a considerable amount to any charitable organization or association, this Court is of the opinion that as one of the conditions for grant of anticipatory bail, the petitioner may be directed to deposit a sum of Rs.15,000/- (Rupees 3/6

Fifteen Thousand only) to the credit of District Legal Services Authority, Kancheepuram District, without prejudice to his rights and contentions before the trial Court.

8.

It is made clear that merely because the petitioner is depositing the amount, it would not amount to the petitioner admitting his guilt in the criminal case and such amount is being paid without prejudice to the right of the petitioner.

9.

Accordingly, the petitioner shall make a non refundable deposit of Rs.15,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Thousand only) by way of Demand Draft/RTGS/NEFT to the credit of the District Legal Services Authority, Kancheepuram District, and on such deposit and on receipt of proof of payment, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail in the event of arrest or on her appearance, within a period of fifteen days from the date on which the order copy made ready, before the learned District Munsif cum Judicial Magistrate at Uthiramerur 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 4/6

further conditions that:

[a] the petitioner shall report before the respondent police daily at 10.30 a.m., for a period of two weeks and thereafter, as and when required for interrogation.

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

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

[d] 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]; A.D. JAGADISH CHANDIRA, J.

stn [e] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 of BNS.

5/6

17.12.2024 stn To

1. The State Rep by The Inspector of Police, Salavakkam Police Station, Kancheepuram District.

(Crime No. 256 of 2024) Crl.O.P. No.31443 of 2024 6/6