KRISHNEGOWDA Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned Government Pleader.

(2.) The petitioners are accused of having committed offences punishable under Section 379 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 4(1A) and 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 and Section 44 of the Karnataka Minor Minerals Consistence Act.

(3.) The investigation was said to be in progress when the petitioners approached the court below seeking bail. The court below has taken a view that now a days sand smuggling has become a menace in Hassan District and that the sand mafia is attacking public servants, who are trying to prevent the illegal transportation of sand. Moreover the provisions of law invoked prescribe severe punishment for the offence and therefore the petitioners were need not entitled to be enlarged on bail.