STATE Vs. T.S. MANI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The order of acquittal dated 6.12.2005, passed in Calendar Case No. 45 of 2004, by the Judicial Magistrate No. I, Mettur, is being challenged in the present criminal appeal.

(2.) The case of the prosecution is that against Sandalwood brigand Veerappan and his associates, a case has been registered in Crime No. 90 of 2000, in Thalavadi Police Station, under Ss. 306, 307, 506(ii) IPC r/w.5(1)(a) and (b) of Indian Arms Act. Likewise, against them, another case has been registered in Crime No. 438 of 1998, under Ss. 397, 427, 332, 307 of the Indian Penal Code r/w. 25(1)(a) of Indian Arms Act. The accused, knowing fully well that the said Veerappan and his associates have involved in unlawful activities and also committed so many crimes, has used to lend his assistance by way of giving shelter, food etc to them. Under the said circumstances, the accused is said to have committed an offence punishable under Sec. 212 of the Indian Penal Code. Considering the fact that the accused has involved in such a practice, the concerned Sub -Inspector of Police, Viz., Mr. Balakrishnan, as defacto complainant, has given a complaint and the same has been registered in Crime No. 1 of 2001.

(3.) On receipt of the complaint, the investigating officer, viz., P.W.12, has taken up investigation, examined connected witnesses, collected materials and after completing investigation, laid a final report on the file of the trial Court and the same has been taken on file in Calendar Case No. 45 of 2004.