Petitioner apprehends arrest in Crime No.194 of 2014 of the Mannar Police Station registered for the offences punishable under Secs.135(e) and 138 of the Indian Electricity Act for alleged theft of electricity.
2. Learned Public Prosecutor submits that the final report is filed in the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Chengannur on 10.05.2014.
3. Learned counsel submits that the allegations are not true. It is submitted that the petitioner was assessed to pay `1,11,398/- out of which the petitioner has already deposited `55,699/-.
4. Having regard to the nature of the allegations, I am inclined to think that custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required. Hence I am inclined to grant relief but subject to conditions.
The application is allowed as under:
(i) Petitioner is granted bail in Crime No.194 of 2014 of the Mannar Police Station.
(ii) Petitioner shall surrender before the learned Judicial First Class Magistrate, Chengannur on 05.07.2014 at 10 a.m for interrogation.
(ii) On such surrender the petitioner shall be released on bail (if not required to be detained otherwise) on his executing bond for `20,000/- (Rupees Twenty Thousand Only) with two sureties for the like sum each to the satisfaction of the learned magistrate and subject to the following conditions:
(a) One of the sureties shall be a close relative of the petitioner.
(b) Petitioner shall report to the officer who has investigated the case if and when required for interrogation.
(c) Petitioner shall not get involved in any offence during the period of this bail.
(d) Petitioner shall not intimidate or influence the witnesses.
(e) In case the petitioner violates any of condition Nos.(b) to (d), it is open to the investigating officer to move the learned magistrate for cancellation of the bail as held in P.K Shaji Vs. State of Kerala (AIR 2006 SC 100).
(f) It is directed that in case the petitioner does not surrender before the learned Judicial First Class Magistrate, Chengannur within the time granted hereby, this order granting bail would cease to be effective on the expiry of the time granted.
Sbna True Copy Sd/-
THOMAS P.JOSEPH, JUDGE.
P A to Judge