V.S. GUNASEELAN Vs. THE FOREST RANGE OFFICER POLLACHI FOREST RANGE ANNAMALAI TIGER RESERVE FOREST POLLACHI TALUK COIMBATORE DISTRICT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Criminal Original Petition has been filed seeking to call for the entire records in respect of the case registered by the respondent in WL.O.R. No.3/2014 dated 01.07.2014 and quash the same.

(2.) On intelligence, the officials of the Forest Department searched the residence of V.S. Gunaseelan (the petitioner herein) on 01.07.2014 around 9 a.m. and seized various animal articles and trophies like elephant tusks, tiger teeth, elephant teeth, cheetah skins, tiger skins, deer skins and other materials, the possession of which, without valid licence, is an offence under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (for brevity "the Act"). Gunaseelan was arrested and was produced before the Judicial Magistrate No.II, Pollachi, who remanded him to custody. Later, he was released on bail. Challenging the prosecution, Gunaseelan is before this Court.

(3.) Heard Mr. K.M. Srirangan, learned counsel, appearing for the petitioner and Mr. C. Emalias, learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondent.