The petitioner's request to surrender himself before the learned Judicial Magistrate, Arcot, Vellore District, in connection with Crime No.177 of 2017 has been turned down on the ground that his name does not find place in the FIR and hence the present petition has been filed.
2. According to the learned counsel for the petitioner, the petitioner himself has sustained injuries in the accident and hence the petitioner wants to surrender before the concerned Court.
3. The learned Additional Public Prosecutor submits that the investigation is still pending.
4. This Court exercising its power under
Section 482 of Criminal Procedure Code cannot render a finding as to who was the driver of the vehicle. Nevertheless, since the petitioner claims to be the driver of the vehicle that was involved in the accident in connection with Crime No.177/2017, I am of the view that at the end of justice would be met if the petitioner is permitted to surrender before the concerned Court seeking for bail. It is made clear that I have not expressed my views with regard to the status of the petitioner and that it wold be open to the Investigating officer as well as the appropriate Court to go into the question on the status of the driver independently.
5. With the above observations, the Criminal Original Petition is disposed of with a direction to the petitioner to surrender before the learned Judicial Magistrate, Arcot, Vellore District, within a period of one week from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. On such surrender the learned Magistrate shall consider the bail application and pass appropriate orders on its own merits and in accordance with law.
07.11.2017 Note: Issue order copy on 10.11.2017 Index:Yes/No AT M.S.RAMESH,J.
AT To The Inspector of Police, Rathinagiri Police Station, Vellore District.
Crl.O.P.No.22198 of 2017 07.11.2017