Authority: Madras High Court

Order Date: 19-08-2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioner: Ranjith, son of Seenivasan Kuttaiyan, residing at No.519, South Street, Velangudipatti, Kulathur Taluk, Vathanakurichi, Tirumalairayapuram, Pudukkottai 622 504; represented by M/s. Deepanuday.
  • Respondent: State represented by the Inspector of Police, Avinashipalayam Police Station, Tiruppur District (Crime No. 313/2026).
  • Charges: Offences under Section 123 and Section 275 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS) and Section 20(2) of the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003.
  • Allegations: Petitioner found in possession of 8.100 kg of banned tobacco products – Hans, Vimal Pan Masala and V1 Tobacco.
  • Prosecution Position: Seeks denial of bail, citing a prior similar case pending against the petitioner.
  • Petitioner’s Counsel: Claims false implication, offers to comply with stringent conditions, and requests bail.
  • Court’s Consideration: Acknowledged prior case but determined custodial interrogation unnecessary given the period of incarceration already served.

Final Outcome

  • The petitioner is released on bail upon execution of a bond of Rs. 25,000/- (Rupees Twenty‑Five Thousand only) with two sureties for an equivalent amount, to the satisfaction of the Judicial Magistrate, Palladam.
  • Conditions imposed:
  • (a) Sureties must affix photographs and left thumb impressions on the Suretyship Application (Judicial Form No. 46) and provide identity proof as required by the Magistrate.
  • (b) Petitioner must report daily before the respondent police at 10:30 a.m. until further orders.
  • (c) Petitioner shall not abscond during investigation or trial.
  • (d) Petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witnesses during investigation or trial.
  • (e) Breach of any condition empowers the learned Magistrate/Trial Court to pass appropriate orders as per Supreme Court precedent in P.K. Shaji vs. State of Kerala [(2005) 13 SCC 283].
  • (f) If the accused absconds, a fresh FIR may be registered under Section 269 of B.N.S..
  • The order is to be uploaded on the official website of the Court with watermark and QR code; all concerned parties must act upon the uploaded order without requiring certified hard copies.

Topics: Criminal Law, Tobacco Regulation