p. 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No.4887 of 2026 1. Sutikanta Samal @ Shuti Kanta Samal 2. Ramakanta Das …. Petitioners Mr. J. K. Panda, Advocate -versus- State of Odisha …. Opposite Party Mr. A. K. Pati, ASC CORAM: JUSTICE V. NARASINGH Order No. ORDER 04.05.2026 01. 1. Heard learned counsel for the Petitioners and learned counsel for the State. 2. The Petitioners are seeking pre-arrest bail in connection with G.R. Case No.207 of 2026 pending on the file of learned J.M.F.C., Mahanga, arising out of Bhadreswar P.S. Case No.88 of 2026 for commission of offences punishable under Sections 52 (a) Orissa Excise Act, 2008. 3. Learned counsel for the State opposes the prayer for pre-arrest bail. 4. Taking into account the nature of allegations and the punishment prescribed, this Court directs that on surrendering within three weeks hence and p. 2 moving for bail, the Petitioners shall be released on bail by the learned Court in seisin on such terms as deemed just and proper subject to verification of not more than one criminal antecedent of any nature. 5. If it comes to the fore that the Petitioners have more than one criminal antecedent of any nature, this order shall not be given effect to. 6. It is needless to state that the Petitioners shall cooperate with the ongoing investigation. 7. Accordingly, the ABLAPL stands disposed of. (V. NARASINGH) Judge Jina