Merlin Sofia v. State Of Tamilnadu Rep By Inspector Of Police, Awps-Valliyoor
Case brief
What is this about?
Anticipatory bail granted under Sec.482 of BNSS by Madurai Bench of Madras High Court (P. DHANABAL, J, 24.06.2026) to petitioner Merlin Sofia (accused) in Crime No. 48 of 2026, All Women Police Station Valliyoor, Tirunelveli, for offences under Sections 318(4), 318(1), 316(2), 61 and 317 of BNS, 2023; alleged receipt of Rs.5,00,000/- from husband (defacto complainant) abroad for land/house never purchased, money not returned; conditions: bond Rs.10,000/- with two sureties before Judicial Magistrate Valliyoor within 15 days, Saturday 10.30 a.m. reporting for four weeks, no similar offences/absconding/tampering; breach consequences per P.K.Shaji vs. State of Kerala [(2005)AIR SCW 5560]; absconding triggers fresh FIR under Section 269 B.N.S.; advocates: R.Ponkarthikeyan (petitioner), N.Balasubramanian (State).
What did the court decide?
Anticipatory bail granted subject to conditions: release on arrest or appearance within fifteen days before the learned Judicial Magistrate, Valliyoor, with a Rs.10,000/- bond and two sureties of like sum; weekly reporting to the respondent police every Saturday at 10.30 a.m. for four weeks and thereafter as required; no commission of similar offences; no absconding during investigation or trial; no tampering with evidence or witnesses.