1.Rule. Mr. A.J. Desai, waives service of rule. In the facts and circumstances of the case, the petition is finally heard today.
2.By this petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the petitioners who are the officers/personnel of the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation at Ahmedabad have prayed for Anticipatory Bail in respect of the offences punishable under Section 506(1) of the Indian Penal Code and for the offences under Sections 3(1)(x) of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 in connection with Crime Register No. II-574/76 registered at Navrangpura Police Station.
3.The petition is essentially for anticipatory bail under Section 438 of the Code. Section 18 of the S.C. and S.T. (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 provides, inter alia, that the provision of Section 438 of the Code shall not apply in relation to any case involving the arrest of any person on an accusation of having committed an offence under the said Act. Under the circumstances, the petitioners cannot be granted anticipatory bail in respect of the aforesaid offences under Section 3(1)(x) of S.C. and S.T. (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Mr. Brahmbhatt, learned counsel for the petitioners, therefore, seeks leave to approach the concerned Special Judge by filing a necessary application for regular bail in respect of the aforesaid offences and C.R. He further states that such application for regular bail will be submitted by 26th December, 1996. If such application is preferred by that time, the petitioners shall not be arrested for the offences under Section 506(1) of I.P.C. and offences under Section 3(1)(x) of S.C. & S.T. (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of Crime Register No. II-574/96 registered at Navrangpura Police Station till hearing and disposal of such application.
4.With the aforesaid direction, Rule is discharged. Direct Service is permitted.
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