MCRC/8706/2026 of GAJENDRA DANDE Vs STATE OF CHHATTISGARH on 15 October 2026

1. Victim appeared along with her father and raised serious objection in grant of bail to the present applicant.

2. This is the first bail application filed under Section 483 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for grant of regular bail to the applicant who has been arrested in connection with Crime No. 703/2026 registered at Police Station Citi Kotwali, Balodabazar, District Balodabazar-Bhatapara (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 78 & 79 of BNS and Section 12 of POCSO Act.

3. As per the case of the prosecution, on 23.08.2026 father of victim lodged an

FIR to the effect that present applicant stalked the victim, a minor girl aged about 15 years, while she was returning home from school and uploaded her photograph on social media without her permission, with the intention of defaming her. On such complaint, police registered aforesaid offence against the applicant.

4. Learned counsel for the applicant would contend that false FIR has been registered against the present applicant, applicant is innocent. He would further submit that charge-sheet has already been filed, applicant is in jail since 23.08.2026, and trial may take some time for its conclusion. He would contend that applicant has no criminal antecedent. Thus, he would pray for grant of bail to the applicant.

5. On the other hand, learned counsel for the State would oppose the bail application. He would submit that the present applicant stated stalked the victim, aged about 15 years and uploaded her photograph without her consent in social media, therefore, this application deserves to be rejected.

6. I have heard learned counsel appearing for the parties and perused the case diary.

7. Having considered the facts and circumstances of the case, the nature and gravity of the allegations levelled against the present applicant, fact that applicant is in jail since 23.08.2026, charge-sheet has already been filed, trial may take some time for its conclusion and applicant has no criminal antecedents, therefore, without commenting anything on the merits of the case, I am inclined to allow this application.

8. Accordingly, the regular bail application is allowed and it is directed that in the event of the applicant executing a personal bond for a sum of Rs.

50,000/- with one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the concerned trial Court, he shall be released on bail on the following conditions :-

(i) he shall not directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case so as to dissuade him from disclosing such fact to the Court;

(ii) he shall not act in any manner which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial, &

(iii) he shall appear before the trial Court on each and every date given to him by the said Court till disposal of the trial. Sd/-

(Rakesh Mohan Pandey) JUDGE $iddhant