MCRC/9209/2026 of AJAY MARKANDE Vs STATE OF CHHATTISGARH on 14 October 2026

1. 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.469/2026 registered at Police Station Basna, District Mahasamund (C.G.), for the offence punishable under Section 20(B) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

2. As per the case of the prosecution, police of Police Station Basna intercepted the Car being registration No.CG-08-BF-7700 and seized 12.280 kg. of contraband ganja from the joint possession of the applicant and two other accused-persons and subsequently, the police

registered the offence as stated above, against the applicant.

3. Learned counsel appearing for the applicant would submit that the quantity of contraband ganja seized is of intermediate quantity; applicant is in jail since 30.08.2026; the applicant has no criminal antecedents and the conclusion of the trial is likely to take considerable time; thus, the applicant may be enlarged on regular bail.

4. On the other hand, learned counsel appearing for the State/non- applicant would oppose the bail application and submit that the applicant and other accused persons were transporting the ganja illegally by vehicle, which was intercepted by the Police and upon search 12.280 kg of contraband article was seized, thus, he is not entitled to be released on regular bail.

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

6. Having considered the fact that the applicant has no criminal antecedents; he is in jail since 30.08.2026; quantity of ganja was seized from the joint possession of the applicant and other accused- persons and the conclusion of the trial is likely to take some time, this Court is inclined to enlarge the applicant on regular bail. Accordingly, the bail application is allowed.

7. Let the applicant be released on bail on his furnishing a personal bond in sum of Rs.50,000/- with one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the Court concerned with 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.

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

(Rakesh Mohan Pandey)

JUDGE Anjani