SESIL JOSEPH Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These are applications seeking anticipatory bail filed under Section 438 Cr.PC.

(2.) The applicant in BA No.4906/2020 is the first accused, while the applicants in BA Nos.4299/2020 and 4302/2020 are accused 2 and 3, respectively, in Crime No.668/2020 of Wadakkancherry Police Station for having allegedly committed offences punishable under Section 7 of the Kerala Money Lenders' Act, 1958 and under Section 3 of the Prohibition of Charging of Exorbitant Interest Act, 2012 and under Section 420 read with Section 34 IPC. The applicants apprehend arrest and hence seek anticipatory bail in the aforesaid Crime. The first accused had already filed an application before the Sessions Court as Crl.MC No.1568/2020 under Section 438 Cr.PC. But the same was dismissed vide order at Annexure-1. Hence, he has approached this Court for indulgence. Accused 2 and 3, who are husband and wife, have approached this Court directly seeking anticipatory bail.

(3.) Heard the learned counsel appearing for the applicants and the learned Senior Counsel Sri.S.Sreekumar appearing for the defacto complainant, who has been impleaded in all the three bail applications. The learned Public Prosecutor also was heard.