SHABARISH Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner is before this Court seeking to enlarge him on anticipatory bail in the event of his arrest in respect Cr.No.F.O.C.No.23/2019-20 registered by R.F.O. Sringeri Range, Sringeri, Chikkamagaluru District for the offence punishable under Sections 62, 84 and 86 of the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963 (for Short 'the Act') and Rule 144 and 165 of Karnataka Forest Rules.

(2.) The petitioner contends that the respondent- Range Forest Officer had initiated the criminal proceedings against the petitioner on 29.02.2020 alleging that the four billets of sandalwood were found in the house of the petitioner, which is prohibited in terms of the Act. Hence, he has committed offence under Sections 62, 84 and 86 of the Act.

(3.) The petitioner on the registration of the said F.O.C No.23/2019-20, had approached II Additional District and Sessions Judge, Chikmagalur seeking him to enlarge on anticipatory bail in Crl.Misc.P.No.183/2020, which came to be dismissed by the orders of the said Court on 17.03.2020 on the ground that the petitioner is alleged to have been indulged in smuggling of the sandalwood which is detrimental to the environment. sandalwood billets have been found in the premises of the petitioner is not disputed. The offence, as alleged impacts the society and public interest at large. The petitioner being required for custodial interrogation could not be released on anticipatory bail. The petitioner is before this Court seeking for the very same relief.