RAMACHANDRAN Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this Petition filed under Section 439 Cr.P.C., the petitioner, who is accused No.6 in Crime No.481/CR/HHW- III/KKD/10 of C.B.C.I.D., Kozhikode for offences punishable under Sections 302 and 57A of the Abkari Act, seeks his enlargement on bail. The petitioner was arrested on 24.11.2010.

(2.) I heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Public Prosecutor. The learned Public Prosecutor opposed the application submitting inter alia that this is the hooch tragedy resulting in the death of nearly two dozen persons and the petitioner is a licencee of one of the toddy shops from which toddy mixed with methyl alcohol was drunk by the customers.

(3.) Having regard to the nature of the offences, the duration of judicial custody undergone by the petitioner, the present stage of investigation of the case and the other circumstances of the case etc., I am inclined to grant bail to the petitioner. Accordingly, the petitioner is directed to be released on bail w.e.f 21.02.2011 on his executing a bond for Rs. 2,00,000/- (Rupees two lakhs only) with two solvent sureties each for the like amount to the satisfaction of the Magistrate concerned and subject to the following conditions: