The Supreme Court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to K V Kuppam MLA “Poovai” Jegan Moorthy in connection with an alleged abduction case.
A bench comprising Justices Manoj Misra and Joymalya Bagchi confirmed its interim order of June 30, making it absolute while disposing of Moorthy’s plea. The lawmaker had approached the apex court after the Madras High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail petition.
Moorthy argued that there was no evidence linking him to the alleged abduction, as the youth in question was eventually recovered and not from his possession or control. He alleged that he was falsely implicated for mala fide reasons.
The bench noted his contention that, at most, his interactions with one of the parties could be seen as an attempt to resolve the dispute and not grounds to justify custodial interrogation.
The case originated from a complaint filed by Lakshmi, mother of a youth who had reportedly eloped with a girl. According to her, members of the girl’s family, accompanied by miscreants, stormed her Thiruvallur residence searching for her elder son.
When they failed to find him, they allegedly abducted her younger son, aged 18, who was later found abandoned near a hotel with injuries.
The Supreme Court’s order ensures that the legislator will not face arrest in the matter, though the trial proceedings are expected to continue in due course.
