S.Sathishkumar v. The State Rep By, The Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 13-10-2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE K. RAJASEKAR CRL OP NO.27871 of 2025 S.Sathishkumar ... Petitioner Vs The State rep. by, The Inspector of Police, V & AC, Coimbatore.

(Crime No.16 of 2025) ... Respondent PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 483 of BNSS, to enlarge the petitioner on bail in connection with the case in Crime No.16 of 2025 on the file of the Respondent.

For Petitioner :

M/s.S.Jessy Monica For Respondent :

Mr. A. Gopinath Government Advocate (Crl. Side) *******

ORDER

The petitioners, who were arrested and remanded to judicial custody on 21.08.2025, for the offences punishable under Sections 7(b) and 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 as amended in 2018, in Crime No.16 of 2025, registered on the file respondent police, seek bail. 2.

The case of the prosecution is that the de-facto complainant 1/6

purchased an unapproved property at Angel Avenue, Periyanayakkanpalayam, Coimbatore. On 04.03.2025, he applied online for site approval. On 13.03.2025, he went to the Municipality Office to meet the Executive Officer, but he was not available. He tried several times but could not meet him. During one visit, the de-facto complainant met the petitioner/accused, who was working as a Bill Collector. On 13.06.2025, the petitioner allegedly demanded Rs.55,000/- for site approval. On the same day, the de-facto complainant paid Rs.5000/-. On 23.06.2025, he again demanded Rs.50,000/-, and the de-facto complainant paid Rs.30,000/-. The petitioner then asked for the remaining Rs.20,000/-, but the de-facto complainant refused and asked for a refund. On 27.06.2025, the petitioner returned Rs.35,000/- Later, on 15.08.

2025, the petitioner called the de-facto complainant to the office on 18.08.2025. When they met, the petitioner allegedly demanded Rs.66,000/- to complete the work, stating Rs.25,132/- was for approval, Rs.20,000/- for LPA, and Rs.20,000/- for the EO. Hence, the present case was registered.

3.

The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is innocent and he has been falsely implicated in this case. He also submitted that the petitioner is ready to abide by any conditions that may be imposed by this Court and sought for bail to the petitioner. 2/6

4.

The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondent while opposing the bail to the petitioner, reiterated the prosecution case. He further submitted that the investigation is completed. 5.

Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record.

6. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the period of incarceration undergone by the petitioner and the investigation is completed, this Court is inclined to grant bail to the petitioner with certain conditions.

7. Accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail on his executing a bond for a sum of Rs.20,000/- (Rupees Twenty Thousand only) with two sureties, for a like sum to the satisfaction of the learned Principal District and Sessions Court, Coimbatore, and on further conditions that:

[a] 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 the identity proofs to ensure their identity;

[b] the petitioner shall report before the respondent police everyday at 10:30 a.m., for a period of two weeks and thereafter, as and when required for interrogation; [c] On breach of any of the aforementioned conditions, the learned Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to pass 3/6

appropriate orders against the petitioner in accordance with law as if the aforementioned 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)13 SCC 283];

[d] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 of B.N.S. 13.10.2025 nvi Note :

1. Registry is directed to forthwith upload this order in the Official Website of this Court.

2. All concerned to act on this order being uploaded in Official Website of this Court without insisting on certified hard copies. To be noted, this order when uploaded in the official website of this Court will be watermarked and will also have a QR code.

To

1. The Principal District and Sessions Court, Coimbatore.

2. The Inspector of Police, V & AC, Coimbatore.

3. The Central Prison, Coimbatore.

4/6

4. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

K.RAJASEKAR,J., nvi 5/6

Crl.O.P. No.27871 of 2025 13.10.2025 6/6