Self Quarantine For 14-days On Release From Prison, Karnataka HC Imposes Condition While Granting Bail [Read Order]

Karnataka High Court while granting bail to an accused who has been in prison since March imposes a condition directing him to immediately undergo a medical check up on release and self quarantine himself in his house, for 14 days.

Justice N K Sudhindrarao imposed the condition while granting bail to Anjana Muthy (38), it said "The petitioner shall undergo medical check-up immediately upon his release on bail, by suitable medical officer and quarantine himself exclusively in his house for a period of 14 days from the date of release unless he is required for hospitalization to prevent further complications regard being had to the fact of Covid-19."

Murthy was arrested on March 13, and charged under sections 16, 17 and 18 of the Bonded Labour System Abolition Act and sections 341, 370 and 374 of the Indian Penal Code, in a case registered with the Doddabelavangala Police station. The court granted bail to the accused on execution of a personal bond for Rs.1,00,000 with a surety of a person possessing immovable properties for the like sum.

As per the prosecution case, the complainant T.C.Muniraju stated to be revenue officer stated that accused committed offence of using children as bonded laborers and exploited them for the purpose of cutting eucalyptus trees and other works and not allowing them to go to their native place in Shivamogga district. All those laborers were rescued and the Revenue Officials and the Police have sent them to their respective villages after recording their statements."

On March 21 the Additional District and Session judge had rejected the bail application following which he approached the high court seeking bail. Advocate Dayamanis along with advocate Ramesha A appearing for the petitioner argued that "The petitioner is in judicial custody since March 13, due to the existing situation caused by impact of COVID-19 and stay of the petitioner in judicial custody. It has created an alarming situation in the family. The economical and social responsibility of the petitioner has come to a grinding halt. The petitioner is ready to comply with the conditions that may be imposed on him.

The Government pleader Advocate Vinayaka V S opposed the bail plea by saying that the petitioner has not made out ground for getting bail. The stay of the petitioner in judicial custody has no relevance for his release. The intentions of the petitioner are not good. He does not appear to be a law abiding citizen and has committed a heinous offence.

The court said "The circumstances of the case are that on the allegation of offences punishable under section under Sections 16, 17, 18 of Bonded Labour System Abolition Act R/W Sections 341, 370 and 374 of IPC,the petitioner was committed to judicial custody and his bail petition was rejected by learned District Judge. It is just and proper to allow the petition subject to conditions.

Title: Anjana Murthy And State Of Karnataka

Case No: Criminal Petition 2224/2020

Coram: Justice N K Sudhindrarao 

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