Allowed

Chandran v. the State Rep by

Madras HC18 Mar 2024CRL OP/4296/2024

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

Petitioner, second accused and brother of the first accused, sought bail in a POCSO and child marriage case. Investigation was complete though the final report had been returned for want of a Section 164 statement. Noting no specific allegation against him beyond accommodating the couple, the court granted bail on conditions including daily police reporting.

What did the court decide?

Petitioner released on bail on executing Rs.10,000 bond with two sureties, subject to daily reporting at Thirunallar Police Station and conditions against absconding or tampering.

Chandran Vs the State Rep by — Child Sexual Offences (POCSO) | Madras HC (2024)

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Crl.O.P.No.4296 of 2024

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

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DATED : 18.03.2024

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CORAM

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THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE C.V.KARTHIKEYAN

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Crl.O.P.No.4296 of 2024

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Chandran

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...Petitioner/Accused-2

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Vs.

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State represented by The Station House Officer, Thirunallar Police Station, Karaikal District, Puducherry.

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(Crime No.150 of 2023) ...Respondent

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PRAYER:

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Criminal Original Petition is filed under Section 439 of Cr.P.C. praying to enlarge the petitioner on bail concerned in Crime No.150 of 2023 on the file of the respondent police on such terms and conditions.

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For Petitioner : Mr.T.Elumalai

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For Respondent : Mr.K.S.Mohandoss Public Prosecutor, Puducherry Assisted by Mrs.N.Danalatchoumy

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1/5 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis

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Crl.O.P.No.4296 of 2024

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ORDER

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The petitioner/A2 who was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on 16.12.2023 for the offences punishable under Section 363 of IPC @ 366(A) of IPC r/w 34 of IPC and Sections 4 and 17 of POCSO Act, 2012, and Section 9 of Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 in Crime No.150 of 2023 on the file of the respondent police, seeks bail.

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2.The petitioner is the own brother of A1. It is stated that A1 who is already married, had lured the victim child into physical relationship and had taken her to a lodge and had physical relationship and later, brought her to the house of this petitioner, who accommodated them, and again they had relationship in the house of this petitioner. Thereafter, she had been just dropped away in the middle of the road and was later rescued by the respondent.

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3.The earlier application seeking bail was dismissed on 06.02.2024 in Crl.O.P.No.803 of 2024.

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4.The change in circumstance is that investigation has been completed and final report had also been filed before the jurisdictional Court. But however, it had been returned for the reason that statement

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https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis

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Crl.O.P.No.4296 of 2024

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recorded under Section 164(5) of Cr.P.C., had not been appended by the respondent.

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5.The learned counsel for the petitioner pointed out that there is no specific allegation as against this petitioner after committing the offence under POCSO Act particularly Section 6 of POCSO Act. It is stated that all the allegations are only against A1.

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6.Taking all these factors into consideration and the period of incarceration, I am inclined to grant bail to the petitioner subject to the following conditions:

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7.Accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail on condition to execute a bond for a sum of Rs.10,000/ - (Rupees Ten Thousand only) with two sureties, each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the Special Judge, Karaikal, and on further conditions that: -

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[a] the sureties shall affix their photographs and Left Thumb Impression in the surety bond and the Magistrate may obtain a copy of their Aadhar card or Bank pass Book to ensure their identity.

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[b] the petitioner shall report before the respondent police everyday Morning at 10.30 a.m., and Evening at 5.30 p.m., until further orders.

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[c] the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial.

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3/5

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https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis

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Crl.O.P.No.4296 of 2024

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[d] the petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witness either

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during investigation or trial.

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[e] On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned

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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].

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