Manikandan v. The State Represented by the Inspector of Police

ORDER The petitioner, who apprehends arrest for the alleged offence Sections 303(2) of BNS read with Section 21(1) of Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 in Crime No.128 of 2026, on the file of the Page2 of 6 respondent police seeks anticipatory bail.

¶2The allegation against the petitioner is that the petitioner was involved in illegal transportation of ¼ unit of sand without any valid permit or licence by using a bullock-cart and that the petitioner was caught red handed by the respondent police. Hence, the case.

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

¶4The learned Government Advocate (Crl.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 my anxious consideration to the submissions made by the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on record. Page3 of 6

¶6From the submission made by the learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) the petitioner does not have any previous cases. 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 himself in future and would not come under the adverse notice of the respondent, this Court is inclined to enlarge him on anticipatory bail, 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 days from the date on which the order copy is made ready, before the Judicial Magistrate Court No.II, Ulundurpet, 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; Page4 of 6

(c) The petitioner shall report before the respondent police daily at 10.30 am for a period of four weeks;

(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];

(e) If the petitioner thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 of BNS Act. 15-07-2026 jrs Page5 of 6 To

¶1The Judicial Magistrate Court No-II, Ulundurpet.

¶2The Inspector of Police, Thirunavalur Police Station, Kallakurichi District. (Crime No.128 of 2026).

¶3The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras. CRLoOPoNo.o18565oofo2026 C.KUMARAPPAN,oJ. jrs CRLoOPoNo.o18565oofo2026 15-07-2026 Page6oofo6

Page1 of 6 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 15-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN Manikandan, S/o Kumar @ Rajkumar ..Petitioner 1st accused Vs The State Rep by its, The Inspector of Police, Thirunavalur Police Station, Kallakurichi District. (Crime No.128 of 2026) ..Respondent/ Complainant Prayer: Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Act, 2023, to grant an order of anticipatory bail in the event of arrest of the petitioner in connection with Crime No.128 of 2026 pending investigation on the file of the respondent Police. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Magesh Kumar For Respondent(s): Mr.N.Palanivel Government Advocate (Crl.Side)