Bengaluru: While carrying out routine checks, traffic policemen often get into heated arguments with motorists and sometimes the latter even get penalised for obstructing public servants from discharging their duties. In one such case a 50-year-old man had approached the high court seeking anticipatory bail, after he was charged with intentional insult, obstructing a public servant from discharging and criminal intimidation by the police in Arasikere.
The allegation against the petitioner was that while the police sub-inspector and his staff were on patrol duty and registering cases pertaining to violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, the accused had shouted at them for registering false cases and harassing public. Later a FIR was registered at the Arasikere Police Station. The accused was charged with offences punishable under Sections 353, 504 and 506 of IPC.
However, it was clear before the high court that there was no allegation of use of any weapons or violence by the petitioner and the allegation was that he has voiced his opinion regarding the action of the police.
“There is no criminal antecedents to the petitioner and he is a permanent resident of Pavagada in Tumakuru district and is ready to abide by any conditions that may be imposed by this court,” the petitioner’s advocate argued.
The court granted anticipatory bail by imposing certain conditions. It observed, “In the facts and circumstances of the case, this court is of the considered opinion that the petitioner deserves to be enlarged on anticipatory bail, in the event of his arrest by the police.” However, it is made clear that the observations made herein are for the purpose of considering the bail petition only and the trial court shall remain uninfluenced by the observations made in this case, it ordered.
