MCRC/9207/2026 of SANTRAM 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.80/2026 registered at Police Station Pithora, District Mahasamund (C.G.), for the offence punishable under Section 34(2) of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act.

2. As per the case of the prosecution, on 18.03.2026, upon secret information, the police reached the spot and seized 5 litres 940 ml bulk litre country made liuquor from the co-accused persons, on whose statement, the present applicant was made an accused. Thereafter, the

police registered the offence as stated above, against the applicant.

3. Learned Counsel for the applicant would submit that 5.940 bulk liters country made liquor was seized by the police from the conscious possession of Baliram Patel on 18.03.2026. he would submit that on the strength of memorandum statement of said accused, the applicant was implicated. It is also argued that the applicant had gone to other State for his livelihood and when he returned, he was arrested by the Police. He would submit that the charge-sheet has been filed and the applicant is in jail since 07.09.2026 and that, there are two live criminal antecedents of the year 2013 and 2015. It is further argued by him that co-accused has been enlarged on bail and that conclusion of the trial is likely to take some considerable time. Therefore, he would pray for grant of regular bail to the applicant.

4. On the other hand, learned counsel for the State would oppose the bail application and submit that the applicant has criminal antecedents; he remained absconding since 18.03.2026 and subsequently, he was arrested on 07.09.2026, therefore he is not entitled for grant of regular bail in the present case.

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

6. Having considered the quantity of liquor, charge-sheet has already been filed; applicant is in jail since 07.09.2026; there are two live criminal antecedents pending against the present applicant before the competent Court; co-accused has been granted bail and further, conclusion of the trial may take some more time, without making any

observation on merits of the matter, this Court is of the view that the applicant is entitled to be released on bail in this case.

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