MCRC/9291/2026 of VAIBHAV @ BABU MANIKPURI Vs STATE OF CHHATTISGARH on 14 October 2026

1. This is the first bail application filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 on behalf of the applicant for grant of regular bail, who is in custody in connection with Crime No. 199/2026 registered at Police Station Azad Chowk, District Raipur (C.G.) for offences punishable under Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act, 1959.

2. As per the prosecution case, on 30.08.2026, the applicant was found brandishing a sharp-edged button-operated knife in a public place and was intimidating and terrorising the general public. Upon being apprehended, the applicant failed to produce any valid licence or legal document in support of possessing the said weapon. Consequently, the button knife was recovered and seized from his possession, and he was arrested.

3. Learned counsel appearing for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has falsely been implicated in the present case. The investigation is complete, and the charge-sheet has already been submitted before the competent jurisdictional court; though one criminal antecedent (Crime No. 157/2024 registered at Police Station Azad Chowk) was shown against the applicant, the said case has already been disposed of, and he is not a habitual offender. The applicant has been in judicial custody since 30.08.2026, the offences are triable by a Magistrate, and the conclusion of the trial is likely to take considerable time; thus, he may be enlarged on bail.

4. On the other hand, learned State counsel opposes the bail application and submitted that the applicant was found brandishing a deadly weapon in a public area causing alarm, and given his past criminal record, he may not be enlarged on bail.

5. Heard learned counsel appearing for the parties and perused the case diary.

6. Considering the totality of the facts and circumstances of the case, particularly that the investigation is complete and the charge-sheet has already been filed; the sole criminal antecedent of the year 2024 has already been disposed of; the applicant has been languishing in custody since 30.08.2026; and the conclusion of the trial will take time; without commenting on the merits of the case, this Court is inclined to enlarge the applicant on regular bail. Accordingly, the bail application is allowed.

7. 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 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, and

(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.

8. The observation made hereinabove is for the purpose of deciding this bail application only, the trial Court shall decide the case on its own merits. Sd/-

Rakesh Mohan Pandey

JUDGE Nadim