Ponraj v. State Of Tamilnadu Rep By Inspector Of Police, Ettayapuram
Case brief
What is this about?
Anticipatory bail refused, Madras High Court (Madurai Bench), CRL OP(MD)No.15506 of 2026, decided 27.07.2026 by K. Rajasekar J. Petitioners Ponraj and Arulraj (A1 and A2) apprehended arrest in Crime No.240 of 2026, Ettayapuram Police Station, Thoothukudi District, for illegal quarrying and transport of gravel sand from a waterbody without permission, registered under Sections 303(2) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 and Section 21(4) Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957. Bail opposed on ground of possible repetition despite seizure of sand and absence of previous cases; petition dismissed on account of gravity of allegations and environmental damage. Keywords: anticipatory bail, BNSS 2023 S.482, BNS 2023 S.303(2), MMDR Act S.21(4), illegal sand mining, waterbody, ecology.
What did the court decide?
In view of the nature and gravity of the allegations, the fact that the alleged sand was illegally quarried from a water body, and the further allegation that such illegal quarrying caused damage to the ecology, the water body and the environment, the Court declined to grant anticipatory bail and dismissed the Criminal Original Petition.