Anuradha Joshi vs State Of Madhya Pradesh

Subodh Abhyankar, J

1] They are heard. Perused the case-diary.

2] This is the first application filed by the applicant Dinesh under Section 482 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023/Section 438 of Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 for grant of anticipatory bail as she is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No.302/2022 registered at Police Station Badgonda, District Indore for the offence punishable under Sections 89 of M.P. Panchayat Rajya Gram Swaraj Adhiniyam 1993 & Section 409 of the IPC.

3] It is alleged that the applicant was involved in the aforesaid case wherein she was earlier issued notice under section 41 of CRPC and she also appeared before the Invesitigating Authority, and at the time of filing of the charge sheet on 29.7.2024 she also appeared in the trial Court, wherein she was also granted regular bail. However, subsequently, the trial Court also took cognizance under Section 409 of the IPC after around three months from the date of filing of the charge sheet and in such cirumstances, the applicant is apprehending that if she appears in the trial Court, she might be arrested, and thus, the present application has been filed.

4] Counsel for the applicant has submitted that the applicant is a woman and has cooperated in the investigation throughout, and only because of section 409 of IPC, she might be arrested. It is also submitted that at the relevant time, she was the Sarpanch of Gram Panchayat. In such circumstances, the application be allowed .

5] Counsel for the State has opposed the prayer.

6] Having considered the rival submissions, perusal of the case diary as also the documents filed on record, under the facts and circumstances of the case when the applicant has already been granted bail by the trial Court on the, same set of facts, the trial Court has also taken cognizance of section 409 of IPC, this Court does not find that it is a case where the custodial interrogation of the applicant would be necessary.

7] Accordingly, without commenting anything on the merits of the case, the application is allowed. It is directed that in the event of arrest, applicant shall be released on bail, upon her executing a personal bond in the sum of Rs.25,000/- (rupees twenty five thousand only) and furnishing one solvent surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer (Investigating Officer). The applicant shall make herself available for interrogation by a Police Officer, as and when required. She shall further abide by the other conditions enumerated in Sub Section (2) of Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

8] Accordingly, MCRC stands allowed.