BNSS, 2023 — S.482 (old S.438 CrPC) — Pre-arrest bail — Scope — Panther caught in snare and died — Snare alleged to have been fixed by A-1 and A-2 for wild pigs — Confessional statements disclosing involvement of other accused including A-4 and A-7 — Offences under A.P. Forest Act, A.P. Forest Amendment Act, Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and Wild Life Amendment Act, 2022 — Consideration of nature of allegations, stage of investigation and circumstances — Held, prayer for grant of anticipatory bail found convincing — Bail granted with conditions.

BNSS, 2023 — S.482 (old S.438 CrPC) — Pre-arrest bail — Scope — Panther caught in snare and died — Snare alleged to have been fixed by A-1 and A-2 for wild pigs — Confessional statements disclosing involvement of other accused including A-4 and A-7 — Offences under A.P. Forest Act, A.P. Forest Amendment Act, Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and Wild Life Amendment Act, 2022 — Consideration of nature of allegations, stage of investigation and circumstances — Held, prayer for grant of anticipatory bail found convincing — Bail granted with conditions.

A.P. Forest Act, 1967, S.20; A.P. Forest Amendment Act, 2016, S.62; Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Ss.2(20), 9, 39 r/w 57, and Ss.40, 43, 51, 51-A, 51-B, 58-C — Offences — Arrest not yet effected — Grant of pre-arrest bail — Conditions imposed.

Investigation — Cooperation — Petitioners directed to appear before Deputy Forest Range Officer and furnish information, not influence witnesses, not leave India without permission, and to furnish permanent address along with sureties.

Held: Criminal Petition allowed.