VIJAYKUMAR Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition is filed under Section 438 of Cr.P.C seeking anticipatory bail of the petitioner/accused in Crime No.118/2020 for the offence punishable under Section 353 of IPC.

(2.) The factual matrix of the case is that on 05.05.2020 at around 7.30 p.m., the complainant, who is a Probationer Police Sub-Inspector was assigned with a duty related to COVID-19 in the K.R.Pet Town, accordingly, the Police Sub-Inspector with her fellow colleagues was creating awareness related to COVID-19 Pandemic to the people. It is alleged that, at that point in time, a car came from the side of T.B. Circle and the same was stopped by one Nagaraju, colleague of complainant and upon enquiring about the petitioner's movement by the complainant and her colleagues, it is alleged that there has been some tussle and exchange of words between them and the petitioner has threatened her and obstructed them in discharging their official duty.

(3.) Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner in his argument would contend that the petitioner is a socially active person and he was creating awareness about global Novel Pandemic COVID-19 and also involved in distribution of face mask, medicine and grocery kits to the needy people with the permission from the concerned authority. The offence alleged against the petitioner is not punishable with either death or imprisonment for life and the maximum punishment is up to two years with fine. The petitioner is ready to abide by any condition that may be imposed by this Court.