1 2026:CGHC:10556 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 1289 of 2026 Anshu Sonwani S/o Shri Inder Sonwani Aged About 30 Years R/o Village Sandwar, Police Station Manipur, Tahsil Ambikapur, District Surguja (C.G.) ... Applicant versus State of Chhattisgarh Through Station House OfÏcer, Police Station Manipur, District Surguja (C.G.) ... Non-applicant For Applicant : Mr. Rishabh Dev Singh, Advocate. For Non-applicant/State. : Ms. Nupur Trivedi, Panel Lawyer. Hon'ble Mr. Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Order on Board 28.02.2026 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. 245/2025 registered at Police Station Manipur, District – Surguja (C.G.), for the offences punishable under Sections 331(4) and Section 305(A) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. 2. As per the prosecution case, Crime No. 245/2025 has been registered at Police Station Manipur, District Surguja, alleging the commission of offences under Sections 331(4) and 305(A) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The case originates from an alleged theft committed by a ABHISHEK SHRIVAS Digitally signed by ABHISHEK SHRIVAS Date: 2026.02.28 17:47:11 +0530 2 co-accused, Sushil Sindil, who is stated to have stolen certain articles. 3. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is an innocent person and has been falsely implicated in the present case. He further submits that although the applicant has four criminal antecedents, the same have already been explained by way of an additional document filed with the present bail application. He submits that the applicant has been in jail since 14.09.2025 and that the conclusion of the trial may take some time. Therefore, he prays for the grant of regular bail to the applicant. 4. On the other hand, learned State counsel opposes the bail application of the present applicant and submits that the charge-sheet has already been submitted before the competent Court in the present case. She further submits that the present applicant has 04 criminal antecedents, out of which 01 case is of similar nature, shows that the applicant is a habitual offender, therefore, he is not entitled for grant of regular bail. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the case diary. 6. Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case, and considering that though the applicant has 04 criminal antecedents, the same have been explained by way of an additional document filed along with the present bail application, upon perusal whereof it transpires that out of the four cases, one case has already been disposed of in the Lok Adalat on the basis of compromise, while the remaining 03 cases are still pending further, the charge-sheet has already been submitted before the competent court in the present case, and the applicant has been in judicial custody since 14.09.2025. Having regard to the period of detention already undergone by the applicant, and considering that the conclusion of the trial is likely to take some more time, this Court is of the 3 view that the applicant is entitled to be released on bail in the present case. 7. Let the Applicant – Anshu Sonwani, involved in Crime No. 245/2025 registered at Police Station Manipur, District – Surguja (C.G.), for the offences punishable under Sections 331(4) and Section 305(A) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, be released on bail on furnishing 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 he 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 his counsel. In case of his absence, without sufÏcient cause, the trial court may proceed against his under Section 269 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. (iii) In case, the applicant misuses the liberty of bail during trial and in order to secure his 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 him, 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, 4 (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 sufÏcient cause, then it shall be open for the trial court to treat such default as abuse of liberty of bail and proceed against him in accordance with law. 8. OfÏce 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 Abhishek