Udayakumar vs State

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Dr.G.Jayachandran, J

The petitioner herein, who was found in possession of 18 bottles of TASMAC liquor each 180 ml, was arrested by the respondent police on 27.06.2023.

According to the First Information Report, the unlabeled opened bottles smell poisonous odour and therefore, sample has been drawn and sent for chemical analysis. The analysis report is awaited.

The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that for more than 60 days, the petitioner is in prison and final report is not yet filed.

The learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the State submitted that six previous cases are pending against this petitioner in similar nature. Being a habitual bootlegger, if he released on bail, he will again indulge in the same offence. Hence opposed to grant bail to the petitioner.

Considering the nature of the offence alleged against this petitioner and the period of incarceration, this Court is of the view that the petitioner may be granted bail. Accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail subject to the following conditions;

(a) the petitioner shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.25,000/-(Rupees Twenty Five Thosand only) with two sureties, each for a like sum, to the satisfaction of the learned District Munsif cum Judicial Magistrate Court, Arcot;

(b) the sureties shall affix their photographs and Left Thumb Impression in the surety bond and the learned Magistrate may obtain a copy of their Aadhar Card or Bank Pass Book to ensure their identity;

(c) the petitioner is directed to report before the Inspector of Police, Vellore Town Police Station, everyday at 10.30 a.m., until further orders;

(d) the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial;

(e) the petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial;

(f) on breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Judicial Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate action against the petitioner in accordance with law as if the 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)AIR SCW 5560];

(g) if the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 229A IPC.