1 2025:CGHC:9656 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRCA No. 275 of 2025 Ishwar Pradhan S/o Udemani Pradhan Aged About 95 Years R/o Ward No.- 13, Jadamuda, P.O.- Arangi, Dist- Mahasamund (C.G.) ... Applicant versus State of Chhattisgarh Through - The Police Station Basna, Dist- Mahasamund (C.G.) ... Non-applicant For Applicant : Mr. Raza Ali, Advocate. For Non-Applicant/State : Mr. U.K.S. Chandel, Deputy A.G. Hon'ble Mr. Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Order on Board 25.02 .202 5 1. This first anticipatory bail application under Section 482 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Sanhita, 2023 has been filed by the applicant, who is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No. 56/2024 registered at Police Station – Basna, District- Mahasamund, (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 120-B, 420, 467, 468, 471 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. 2. The prosecution's case, in brief, is that a complaint has been made by the nodal ofÏcer, alleging that the agricultural land area of the applicant, who is a farmer, was increased by the revenue RAHUL DEWANGAN Digitally signed by RAHUL DEWANGAN 2 authorities. As a result, the Co-operative Society purchased the paddy based on the enhanced land area, providing undue benefits to the applicant and two other farmers, thereby committing the aforesaid offences. 3. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this case. He further submits that the applicant is the farmer and has not played any role in the offences. He further submits that the other co-accused person who is also a farmer, namely, Santlal Pradhan has already been granted anticipatory bail by this Court in MCRCA No. 269/2025, vide order dated 24.02.2025. He further submits that the other co- accused person who is the manager of the Co-operative Society, namely, Umesh Kumar Bhoi, has already been rejected anticipatory bail by this Court in MCRCA No. 224/2024 vide order dated 30.04.2024. Therefore, he submits that the present applicant is also entitled to be released on anticipatory bail on the ground of parity. 4. On the other hand, learned State counsel, appearing for the non - applicant/State, opposes the submission made by the learned counsel for the applicant and submits that the complainant alleging that the agricultural land area of the applicant, who is a farmer, was increased by the revenue authorities. As a result, the Co-operative Society purchased the paddy based on the enhanced land area, providing undue benefits to the applicant and two other farmers, therefore, he is not entitled for grant of anticipatory bail. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the case diary. 3 6. Considering the facts & circumstances of the case that in the present case, the applicant is the farmer and the other co-accused person who is also a farmer, namely, Santlal Pradhan has already been granted anticipatory bail by this Court in MCRCA No. 269/2025, vide order dated 24.02.2025, and further considering the fact that the other co-accused person who is the manager of the Co-operative Society, namely, Umesh Kumar Bhoi, has already been rejected anticipatory bail by this Court in MCRCA No. 224/2024 vide order dated 30.04.2024, therefore, I am inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the present applicant on the ground of parity. 7. 7. Accordingly, the instant MCRCA is allowed and it is directed that in the event of arrest of the applicant - Ishwar Pradhan, on executing a personal bond and one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the arresting OfÏcer, he shall be released on bail on the following conditions:- (a) 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. (b) he shall not act in any manner which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial. (c) he shall appear before the trial Court on each and every date given to him by the said Court till disposal of the trial. 4 (d) the applicant and the surety shall submit a copy of his adhaar card along with a coloured postcard full size photo having printed the adhaar number on it, which shall be verified by the trial Court. (e) he shall not involve himself in any offence of similar nature in future. Sd/- (Ramesh Sinha) CHIEF JUSTICE Rahul Dewangan