Case brief
What is this about?
Single-judge bail order of the High Court of Judicature at Madras dated 13-02-2026 in CRL OP No. 3548 of 2026 (Crime No.04 of 2026, Inspector of Police, Velur PS, Namakkal District). Petitioner Manigandan S/o.Rathinam (A4), counsel T.Dhasarathan; respondent-State represented by Mr.A.Gopinath, Government Advocate (Crl. Side). Charges: Section 288 and 125 of BNS r/w 3, 4(a) and 5 of Explosives Substances Act 1908 and 9(B)(i)(b) Indian Explosives Act 1884; allegation of supplying gelatin (5 boxes x 25 kgs) and connected substances seized from A5, said to be for fishing activities; petitioner claims false implication. Bail allowed on grounds of incarceration since 08.01.2026 and clean record despite opposition citing pending investigation and two absconding accused. Keywords: gelatin, explosives, fishing, false implication, conditional bail, Section 269 B.N.S., P.K. Shaji.
What did the court decide?
Conditional bail granted pending investigation: petitioner (A4) to be released on execution of a bond of Rs.20,000/- (Rupees Twenty Thousand only) with two sureties for a like sum to the satisfaction of the learned Judicial Magistrate Court, Paramathy, Namakkal District; conditions: (a) sureties to affix photographs and Left Thumb Impression in the surety bond, Magistrate may obtain copy of their Aadhar card or Bank pass Book to ensure identity; (b) petitioner to report before respondent police daily at 10.30 a.m. for three weeks; (c) petitioner shall not abscond during investigation or trial; (d) petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witnesses; (e) on breach, the Magistrate/Trial Court entitled to take action in accordance with law as if conditions imposed and bail released by it, as laid down in P.K. Shaji vs. State of Kerala; (f) if the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 B.N.S.