The State government on Wednesday filed a petition before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, seeking the cancellation of the bail granted by a vacation sessions court to at least 65 persons involved in the anti-Sterlite agitation in Thoothukudi.
The State, in its petition, said that on May 22, when policemen were returning to the police station after attending a court hearing, their van was attacked by a mob. The police were indiscriminately attacked, and suffered injuries as a result.
As many as 65 persons were arrested on May 23 and cases were booked against them under Sections 147 (Punishment for rioting), 148 (Rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 341 (Punishment for wrongful restraint) and 435 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992.
The accused were remanded in judicial custody on May 24. However, they moved the vacation sessions court the same day. The court granted them bail on a bond of ₹10,000. However, no notice was served to the prosecution in the case. This could prejudice the law and order situation in the region, the State government said.
The State sought the quashing of the bail granted to the 65 persons, and stated that by not serving notice to the prosecution, it was denied a chance to offer an explanation in the case.
Taking up the petition for hearing, Justice G.R. Swaminathan directed notice to the 65 persons who allegedly attacked the police and adjourned the case for further hearing.
