Arutperumjothi v. State by the Inspector of Police,

ORDER The petitioner apprehends arrest for the alleged offences under Sections 303 (2), 326 (a) of BNS, in Crime No.204 of 2025 on the file of the respondent police seeks anticipatory bail.

2.The case of the prosecution is that the petitioner along with other accused was illegally transporting ¼ unit of river sand in a bullock cart. Hence, the case. Page2 of 4

¶3The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this case. He further submitted that the petitioner is ready to abide by any stringent condition that may be imposed by this Court and willing to co-operate for investigation. Hence, he prays to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

¶4The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondent police reiterated the prosecution case and, upon instructions, submitted that no previous cases have been registered against the petitioner. However, he opposed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

¶5I have given anxious consideration to the submissions made by the learned counsel on either side and also perused the records available.

¶6From the submission made by the learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) it is seen that the petitioner has no bad antecedents. Though, this Court views the offence of theft of natural resources and its exploitation as serious offence, taking into consideration of the fact that he has no previous case, and upon the fond hope that he would mend themselves in future and would not come under the adverse notice of the respondent, this Court is inclined to enlarge the petitioner on anticipatory bail, subject to certain conditions. Page3 of 4

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 is made ready, before the learned Judicial Magistrate 1, Villupuram, on condition that the petitioner shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only), with two sureties each, for a like sum to the satisfaction of the learned Magistrate concerned, and on further conditions:

(a) If the petitioner fails to surrender before the concerned learned 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 as and when required for interrogation;

(d) On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the 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]; Page4 of 4

C.KUMARAPPAN, J.

(e) If the petitioner thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 of BNS Act. 16-07-2026 ep To

1.The Judicial Magistrate 1, Villupuram.

2.The Inspector of Police, Thiruvennainallur Police Station, Villupuram District.

3.The Public Prosecutor High Court of Madras.

Page1 of 4 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 16-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN Arutperumjothi ..Petitioner(s) Vs State by The Inspector of Police, Thiruvennainallur Police Station, Villupuram District. Cr.No.204/2025 ..Respondent(s) PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, pleased to enlarge the Petitioner on Anticipatory bail, in the event of his arrest by the Respondent Police, pending investigation of the case in Crime No.204 of 2025 on the file of the Respondent and thus render justice. For Petitioner(s): Mr.M.Kalaiyarasan For Respondent(s): M/s.R.S.Indira Government Advocate, (Criminal side)