CRL OP No. 18874 of 2026 __________ Page1 of 6 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 17-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE G.K. ILANTHIRAIYAN CRL OP No. 18874 of 2026 Ramakrishnan S/o. Narasimman, No.3/49, Jallikottai Village, Solaikottai, Dharmapuri, Dharmapuri District. ..Petitioner(s) Vs The State Rep.by, The Inspector of Police, Mathikonpalayam Police Station, Dharmapuri District. Cr.No.139 of 2026. ..Respondent(s) PRAYER: This Criminal Original Petition is filed under Section 482 of BNNS, 2023, praying to e enlarge the petitioner on bail in the event of his arrest pending investigation in Cr.No.139 of 2026 on the file of the Inspector of Police, Mathikonpalayam Police Station, Dharmapuri District. For Petitioner(s): Mr.Thirumalaivasan Pachiyappan For Respondent(s): Mr.N.Palanivel Government Advocate (crl.side) ORDER The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the alleged offences punishable under Sections 303(2), of BNS, 2023 read with 21(1) Mines and Minerals Act, in Cr.No.139 of 2026, on the file of the https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL OP No. 18874 of 2026 __________ Page2 of 6 respondent police, seeks anticipatory bail. 2.It is the case of the prosecution that the petitioner is alleged to have transported one unit of gravel sand illegally in a TATA tipper lorry bearing registration No.TN 25 BF 6838, without any valid permits. Hence the case. 3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the case. He further submitted that the allegation is only that the petitioner had allegedly transported one unit of gravel sand in a lorry without any valid permit. The learned counsel contended that the petitioner is ready to cooperate with the investigation and abide by any condition that may be imposed by this Court. Hence, he prayed that the petitioner may be enlarged on anticipatory bail. 4.The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondent police reiterated the prosecution case and submitted that the petitioner has no previous criminal antecedents. However, he vehemently opposed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner. 5.In view of the rehabilitation undertaken under the Tamil Nadu District Mineral Foundation Rules, 2017, and in order to curb the illegal sand mining activities, this Court is of the opinion that the petitioner is directed to deposit a sum of Rs.2,000/- (Rupees Two thousand only) as non refundable deposit to the https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL OP No. 18874 of 2026 __________ Page3 of 6 credit of the concerned District Mineral Foundation Trust, without prejudice to his rights and contentions before the trial Court. 6.Merely, because the petitioner has deposited the said amount, it would not amount to admission of his guilt. Therefore, it is open to the trial Court to deal with the case independently. 7.Taking note of the facts and circumstances, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner with certain conditions. 8. Accordingly, the petitioner is directed to deposit a sum of Rs.2,000/- (Rupees Two thousand only) as non refundable deposit to the credit of the concerned District Mineral Foundation Trust and on such deposit the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail in the event of arrest or on his appearance, within a period of fifteen days from the date on which the order copy made ready, before the learned Judicial Magistrate, Dharmapuri NO.1, on condition that the petitioner shall execute a bond for a sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees twenty five thousand only) with two sureties each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the respondent police or the police officer who intends to arrest or to the satisfaction of the learned Magistrate concerned, failing which, the petition for anticipatory bail shall stand dismissed and on further condition that: [a] the petitioner and the sureties shall affix their photographs and Left https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL OP No. 18874 of 2026 __________ Page4 of 6 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. [b] the petitioner shall deposit a sum of Rs.2,000/- (Rupees Two thousand only) as non refundable deposit to the credit of the concerned District Mineral Foundation Trust. [c] the petitioner shall report before the respondent police daily at 10.30 for a period of two weeks and thereafter as and when required for interrogation. [d] the petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial. [e] the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial. [f] On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned 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]. [g] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 229A IPC. 17-07-2026 JRS https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL OP No. 18874 of 2026 __________ Page5 of 6 To 1 The Judicial Magistrate , Dharmapuri No.1 2.The Inspector of Police, Mathikonpalayam Police Station, Dharmapuri District. Cr.No.139 of 2026. 3.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL OP No. 18874 of 2026 __________ Page6 of 6 G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J. JRS CRL OP No. 18874 of 2026 17-07-2026 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis