Authority: High Court of Madras (Madras High Court)

Order Date: 02-11-2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioner: A. Anilkumar, former Assistant Engineer (O&M), Anna Nagar West, Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO), now Assistant Executive Engineer, Alamathy.
  • Respondent: State represented by Inspector of Police, Vigilance and Anti‑Corruption, Chennai City V, Alandur.
  • Criminal Original Petition (CRL OP No. 30177 of 2026) filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking anticipatory bail in a Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 case (Crime No.03/AC/2026/CC‑V) registered on 30‑09‑2026.
  • Allegations: Petitioner allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 1,00,000 for a three‑phase electricity connection, routed through a retired foreman (second accused) who received Rs 20,000; connection not provided.
  • Investigation details: Complaint lodged 29‑09‑2026, trap laid 30‑09‑2026, second accused arrested and later released on bail; petitioner not arrested.
  • Respondent’s opposition: Claims petitioner absconded, may tamper with records, and that custodial interrogation is required.
  • Petitioner’s defence: Claims he was transferred on 19‑09‑2026, was not in position to influence the case, has unblemished service record, and that material can be obtained without his custody.

Final Outcome

  • Court grants anticipatory bail, ordering release on arrest or appearance within 15 days of order copy.
  • Petitioner must execute a bond of Rs 15,000 with two sureties of equal amount.
  • Conditions: (a) Bail cancels automatically if petitioner fails to surrender within 15 days; (b) Sureties must provide photographs and thumb impressions; (c) Appear before investigating officer at Alandur daily at 10:30 a.m. for two weeks and thereafter as required; (d) No contact with complainant, second accused, or witnesses; (e) No access to Operation and Maintenance Section records of Anna Nagar West; (f) Breach leads to appropriate action; (g) Fresh FIR may be filed under Section 269 BNSS if petitioner absconds.
  • Court notes that investigation can proceed without petitioner’s custody and that conditions sufficiently safeguard the probe.

Topics: Anticipatory Bail, Corruption Case