Vikram Kumar v. Forest Range Officer

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 27-11-2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.RAJASEKAR CRL OP NO.32038 of 2025 Vikram Kumar Petitioner Vs Forest Range Officer, Kattabettu Division, Kotagiri, The Nilgiris.

OR No.7 of 2025 Respondent PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to enlarge the petitioner on bail in the event of arrest in OR No.7 of 2025 on the file of the respondent police.

For Petitioner : Mr.D.Solomon For Respondent : Mr.A.Gopinath Government Advocate (Crl.side)

ORDER

The petitioner, who was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on 15.10.2025, for the offence under Sections 2(1) (2) (16) r/w Section 9, 39 & 51 of the Wild Life Act, 1972 in OR.No.7 of 2025, on the file of the respondent police.

2. The allegation against the petitioner is that the petitioner had placed a snarl near the fencing of the forest area, as a result of which a bear was trapped and died. Immediately thereafter, the forest officials conducted an investigation and found that the petitioner had broken the wire while setting up the snarl. Hence, the complaint was lodged and the petitioner was arrested.

3. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is in judicial custody from 15.10.2025 and that the petitioner is not having any bad antecedents. Hence, he prayed to grant bail to the petitioner.

4. Learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) appearing for the respondent submitted that the petitioner had set up a trap, resulting in the death of a wild animal, amounting to theft of the entire carcass. He further submitted that the investigation is pending.

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

6. Considering the gravity of the allegations and the manner in which the offence is alleged to have been committed, this Court is of the opinion that granting bail to the petitioner at this stage may enable him to indulge in similar activities. Hence, this Court is not inclined to grant bail to the petitioner.

7. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition is dismissed. 27-11-2025 drl To

1.The Forest Range Officer, Kattabettu Division, Kotagiri, The Nilgiris.

2.The Public Prosecutor High Court of Madras.

K.RAJASEKAR, J., drl

CRL OP NO.32038 of 2025 27.11.2025