P. Manikandan v. State Rep.By Its The Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 20.11.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE K.RAJASEKAR Crl.O.P.No.31656 of 2025 P.Manikandan ... Petitioner Vs.

State rep by its The Inspector of Police, CBCID Cuddalore, Cuddalore District.

... Respondent (Cr.No.2 of 2020) PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, to enlarge the petitioner on bail in the event of arrest in connection with Crime No.2 of 2020 on the file of the Inspector of Police, CBCID Cuddalore, Cuddalore District.

For Petitioner : Mr.C.Balaji For Respondent : Mrs.J.R.Archana 1/6

Government Advocate (Crl. Side)

ORDER

The petitioner, apprehending arrest for the alleged offence under Sections 409, 420, 468, 471 of IPC, 1860 and Sections 43 and 66(c) of Information Technology Act, 2000 in Cr.No.2 of 2020, on the file of the respondent police, seeks anticipatory bail.

2. It is the case of the prosecution that the petitioner is a Village Assistant and he is part of the scheme relating to the disposal of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi(PM-KISAN). As per the scheme, each agriculturist is entitled for getting Rs.6,000/- aid from the Government. It is alleged that the total amount involved in this case is Rs.14.42 crores and already 30 accused were arrested and released on bail and this petitioner is 2/6

ranked as A31 and the specific overt act attributed to the petitioner is that while he was working as a Village Assistant, he has fabricated a document to extend benefits to the four ineligible persons. Thereby the petitioner has caused huge loss to the scheme. Subsequently, the FIR has been registered against the petitioner. Hence, the case.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the respondent registered a case against 30 persons. Based on the statement of co-accused, the petitioner's name was included. Though it is stated that the petitioner is involved in enrolling four ineligible persons, the petitioner has not directly benefited from the scheme. He further submitted that the petitioner is ready to abide by any conditions that may be imposed by this Court. Hence, he prayed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) appearing for the respondent police, reiterated the prosecution case and reported that the petitioner is ranked as A-31. He is a Village Assistant and he was also involved in the scheme relating to the disposal of Pradhan Mantri Kisan 3/6

Samman Nidhi(PM-KISAN). During investigation, it was found that some ineligible persons obtained loan under the PM-Kisan Scheme by using forged document and created huge loss to the Government to the tune of Rs.14.42 crores and this petitioner arranged loan for a sum of Rs.24,000/- . Hence, he opposed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

5. Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record.

6. Considering the nature of offence and the submissions made by both counsel and overt act of the petitioner and he has not collected the funds and misappropriated, I am of the view that the custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not necessary and hence I am inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner, subject to certain conditions :

7. Accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail in the event of arrest or on his appearance within a period of fifteen (15) days from the date on which the order copy made, before the learned Chief Judicial Magistrate, Cuddalore on condition that the petitioner shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) with two 4/6

sureties each for a like sum to the satisfaction learned Magistrate concerned, and on further condition that:

(a) If the petitioner fails to surrender before the concerned Magistrate within a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, this order shall stand automatically cancelled;

(b) 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 identify proofs to ensure their identity; (c) The petitioner shall report before the respondent police everyday at 10.30 a.m., for a period of four weeks and thereafter, as and when required for interrogation;

(d) On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the 5/6

learned Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate actions against the petitioner in accordance with law as if the conditions have been imposed and the petitioner released on anticipatory bail by the learned Magistrate/Trial Court himself as laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in P.K.Shaji v. State of Kerala [(2005) AIR SCW 5560]; (e)If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 of BNS Act.

20.11.2025 Vv To

1. The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Cuddalore.

2. The Inspector of Police, CBCID Cuddalore, Cuddalore District.

3.The Public Prosecutor High Court of Madras, Chennai 600 104.

6/6

K.RAJASEKAR , J.

Vv Crl.O.P.No.31656 of 2025 7/6

20.11.2025 8/6