ORDER

This is an application for anticipatory bail.

2. The petitioner is the 47th accused in Crime No.144/CB/CU-

1/TVPM/2021 of Crime Branch Central Unit -1, Thiruvananthapuram alleging commission of offences under Sections 420 , 465, 468 and 471 r/w Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code .

3. The allegation in the above case is that several persons obtained and produced forged certificates before the Passport Authority for obtaining the 'emigration clearance not required (ECNR) certificate' on their passports. The petitioner has been roped in on the basis of a confession statement by the 34th accused that he had obtained the alleged forged certificate from the petitioner after paying an amount of Rs.25,000/-.

4. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is absolutely innocent in the matter. It is submitted that the petitioner had no occasion to give any forged certificate to the 34th accused. It is submitted that the statement given by the 34th accused before the Police is not admissible in evidence. It is submitted that, at any rate, the custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required.

5. The learned Public Prosecutor, on instructions, submits that this