CHINNARASU VENKATESAN Vs. STATE OF A.P.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Criminal Petition has been filed under Ss. 480 and 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for brevity 'the BNSS'), seeking to enlarge the petitioners/Accused Nos.2 & 3 on bail in OR.No.41/2/25/26 of FRO, Palamaner Range, Chittoor District for the offences under Ss. 20(1) (C) (ii) (iii) (iv) (vi) and (x) of Andhra Pradesh Forest (Amendment) Act, 2016, Sec. 20(1)(d)(i) of the Andhra Pradesh Forest (Amendment) Act, 2016, Rule 3(1) of A.P.Sandal wood and Red Sanders Wood Transit Rules, 1969 and Under Sec. 303(2) read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for brevity 'the BNS') and Ss. 49 and 61 (2) of 'the BNS'.

(2.) The learned counsel for the Petitioner submits that the petitioners are innocent; they were falsely implicated in this case. They have not committed any offence. They are the sole breadwinners of their families. They are the permanent residents of Gudiyatham Taluq, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu State, and have a fixed abode. If they are enlarged on bail on any conditions, they may comply with them, and it is urged to enlarge the petitioners on bail.

(3.) Per contra, Ms. P. Akhila Naidu, the learned Assistant Public Prosecutor, submits that the petitioners are habitual offenders; however, there is no record available about their previous offences. Investigation is pending, and some more witnesses are yet to be examined. Hence, it is urged to dismiss the petition.