Anticipatory bail denied for offences under Child and Adolescent Labour Act involving rescue of six children; investigation pending.
Anticipatory bail denied to petitioner accused of bonded labour offences under Child and Adolescent Labour Act, considering gravity of offence and pending investigation. ¶¶25
Crl.OP.No.28817 of 2025
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 24.10.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE K.RAJASEKAR
Crl.O.P.No.28817 of 2025
Sathish ... Petitioner Vs. State rep by The Inspector of Police, Shoolagiri Police Station, Krishnagiri District. ... Respondent (Cr.No.294 of 2025)
PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, to enlarge him on bail in the event of his arrest in Crime No.294 of 2025 on the file of the respondent.
For Petitioner : Mr.A.Bala Murugan For Respondent : Mr.S.Udaya Kumar Government Advocate (Crl. Side)
ORDER
The petitioner, who apprehends arrest for the alleged offence under
Sections 4, 14 16,17 of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and
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Regulation) Act, 1986 in Cr.No.294 of 2025 on the file of the respondent police seeks anticipatory bail.
2. The allegation against the petitioner is that he is involved in the offence of bonded labour, and based on a complaint lodged by the father of one of the victims, a case was registered against him. Hence, the case.
3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner has been falsely implicated in this case and that he has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution. Hence, he prayed that anticipatory bail may be granted to the petitioner.
4. The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondent police reiterated the prosecution case and submitted that, during the inspection conducted by the team of officers, four persons were found engaged in a hotel run by the petitioner, and two children were engaged in grazing cattle. In total, six children were rescued in this case. He further submitted that the investigation is still in progress, and if the petitioner is enlarged on anticipatory bail, there is a likelihood of his
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engaging in similar activities. Hence, he vehemently opposed the grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner.
5. Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record.
6. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the gravity
pending, this Court is not inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.
24.10.2025
Vv
To
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K.RAJASEKAR, J.
Vv
Crl.O.P.No.28817 of 2025
24.10.2025
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1 issue framed by the court
Whether anticipatory bail should be granted to the petitioner apprehending arrest for offences under Sections 4, 14, 16, 17 of Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, considering the gravity of the offence and pending investigation.¶¶25
2 provisions across 2 enactments
How this case reached the court
FIR No. 294 of 2025 registered at Shoolagiri Police Station for offences under Sections 4, 14, 16, 17 of Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986¶¶11
Shoolagiri Police Station, Krishnagiri District
During inspection by team of officers, four persons found engaged in a hotel run by petitioner, two children engaged in grazing cattle; total six children rescued.¶¶19
As recorded by the court registry
Judgements on the same questions, provisions and authorities, from every court
