1 2026:CGHC:664 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 10543 of 2025 Chandan Singh Rajput S/o Late Baloram Rajput Aged About 38 Years R/o Village Taitalkhuti, P.S. Devbhog, District - Gariaband (C.G.) ... Applicant versus State of Chhattisgarh Through The Police Station Devbhog, District - Gariaband (C.G.) ... Non-Applicant For Applicant : Mr. Pragalbha Sharma, Advocate. For Non-Applicant/State : Ms. Anusha Naik, Deputy Government Advocate. Hon’ble Shri Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Order on Board 06.01.2026 1. The applicant has preferred this First Bail Application under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for grant of regular bail, as he has been arrested in connection with Crime No. 251/2025, registered at Police Station - Devbhog, District - Gariaband (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 316(5) and 318(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. 2. As per the prosecution story, in compliance with the said order, physical verification of the remaining paddy at the Jhakharpara Procurement Centre was conducted. Out of the total procured paddy of 63,972.80 quintals, 2,708.56 quintals of paddy were shown as PREETI KUMARI Digitally signed by PREETI KUMARI Date: 2026.01.07 11:39:38 +0530 2 remaining in the records of the committee. According to the online report, the committee showed a balance of 3,408 filled paddy bags remaining. However, during physical verification, the number of paddy bags and the quantity of paddy found at the Jhakharpara Procurement Centre were zero. Upon questioning the present accused/applicant in this regard, the applicant stated that the committee records showed a balance of 2,708.56 quintals of paddy, out of which 1,345.36 quintals were dry paddy, and admitted an actual shortage of 1,363.20 quintals of paddy. The applicant assured that the shortage of 1,363.20 quintals of paddy would be compensated within one week. Out of the said shortage, 300 quintals of paddy were compensated on 02.09.2025. However, by failing to compensate the remaining 1,063.20 quintals of paddy, valued at Rs. 32,95,920/-, till date, a financial loss has been caused to the Government by embezzling approximately Rs. 32,95,920/-. On this basis, the crime was registered, and the present applicant was arrested by the police of Devbhog, District Gariaband, for the offences punishable under Sections 316(5) and 318(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Accordingly, the crime was registered against the applicant. 3. It is argued by the learned counsel for the applicant that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this case. He further submitted that there is no evidence to establish that the applicant was actively involved in the said commission of crime. He further submitted that the charge-sheet has been filed and the applicant is in jail since 10.09.2025 and trial is likely to take quite long time for its conclusion, therefore, he prays for grant of bail. 3 4. On the other hand, the learned State counsel opposed the bail application and submitted that the charge-sheet has been filed in the present case. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the documents available on record. 6. Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case, nature and gravity of allegation levelled against the applicant and the fact that the applicant has no previous criminal antecedents, the charge-sheet has been filed and she is in jail since 10.09.2025 and conclusion of the trial is likely to take some time, I am inclined to allow this application. 7. Accordingly, the bail application is allowed. Let the applicant - Chandan Singh Rajput, involved in Crime No. 251/2025, registered at Police Station - Devbhog, District - Gariaband (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 316(5) and 318(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, be released on bail on his furnishing a personal bond with two sureties in the like sum to the satisfaction of the court concerned with the following conditions:- (i) The applicant shall file an undertaking to the effect that she shall not seek any adjournment on the dates fixed for evidence when the witnesses are present in court. In case of default of this condition, it shall be open for the trial court to treat it as abuse of liberty of bail and pass orders in accordance with law. (ii) The applicant shall remain present before the trial court on each date fixed, either personally or through 4 her counsel. In case of her absence, without sufficient cause, the trial court may proceed against her under Section 269 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. (iii) In case, the applicant misuses the liberty of bail during trial and in order to secure her presence, proclamation under Section 84 of BNSS. is issued and the applicant fails to appear before the court on the date fixed in such proclamation, then, the trial court shall initiate proceedings against her, in accordance with law, under Section 209 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. (iv) The applicant shall remain present, in person, before the trial court on the dates fixed for (i) opening of the case, (ii) framing of charge and (iii) recording of statement under Section 351 of BNSS. If in the opinion of the trial court absence of the applicant is deliberate or without sufficient cause, then it shall be open for the trial court to treat such default as abuse of liberty of bail and proceed against her in accordance with law. 9. Office is directed to send a certified copy of this order to the trial Court concerned for necessary information and compliance forthwith. Sd/- (Ramesh Sinha) Chief Justice Preeti