Madras High Court Grants Bail to N. Venkatesan Amid Political Meeting Chaos

Court Imposes Strict Conditions on Bail Following Allegations of Assault and Property Damage

In a significant development, the Madras High Court, Madurai Bench, has granted bail to N. Venkatesan, who was arrested for his alleged involvement in a stampede incident during a political meeting. The meeting, organized by the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam in Karur District, turned chaotic, leading to accusations against Venkatesan and others of assaulting an ambulance driver and damaging property. 

Presiding over the case, Justice S. Srimathy observed the petitioner's continuous incarceration since his arrest on October 9, 2025, and the fact that another accused in the case had already been granted bail. The court noted the charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992, and decided to grant bail, considering the nature of the allegations and the period of detention.

Bail was approved under stringent conditions to ensure the petitioner's compliance during the ongoing investigation and potential trial. The petitioner is required to execute a bond of Rs. 10,000 with two sureties and must report to the police regularly. Additional stipulations include a prohibition against tampering with evidence or witnesses, and an obligation not to abscond.

The court warned that any breach of these conditions could lead to legal consequences, including the possibility of a new FIR being filed. The decision aligns with precedents set by the Supreme Court, including the case of P.K. Shaji v. State of Kerala.

Bottom Line:

Bail granted to petitioner considering the period of incarceration and the nature of charges, subject to specific conditions to ensure proper conduct during investigation and trial.

Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Sections 191(2), 296(b), 115(2), 127(2), 351(2), Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992 Section 3

N.Venkatesan v. State of Tamilnadu, (Madras)(Madurai Bench) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2796437