p. 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No.5281 of 2026 Surendra Prasad …. Petitioner Mr. S. Das, Advocate -Versus- State of Odisha …. Opposite Party Mr. S.K. Lenka, ASC CORAM: MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK Order No. ORDER 20.05.2026 02. 1. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and State. 2. Instant petition has been filed under Section 482 BNSS by the petitioner seeking pre-arrest bail in connection with Joda P.S. Case No.148 of 2026 corresponding to G.R. Case No.577 of 2026 pending in the file of learned J.M.F.C., Barbil on the grounds stated. 3. Perused the FIR as at Annexure-1. Mr. Dash, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the alleged vehicle in which iron ore said to have been transported was in his custody at the relevant point of time when it was intercepted by the local police and it was by virtue of an agreement dated 17th February, 2026, a copy of which is at Annexure-3. The further submission is that the iron ore while being transported, the vehicle was detained by the informant and it was not within the knowledge of the petitioner. It is claimed that the driver committed the mischief and that apart, no loss has been caused thereby since the iron ore was recovered with the seizure of the vehicle as well and therefore, the petitioner should be allowed p. 2 to go on bail upon his surrender before the learned court below with any conditions since he is having no antecedent. Recorded the objection of the State. The FIR reveals that the vehicle was seized and it was loaded with iron ore. There has been theft of iron ore as made to reveal from the FIR but it was intercepted. Considering the plea of the petitioner regarding his innocence and for having no similar antecedent with the objection of the State being noted down, this Court is inclined to direct him to surrender before the learned court below for being released with stringent conditions, even if, his pre-arrest bail is not entertained and accordingly, it is ordered. 4. In the result, the ABLAPL is disposed of with the direction as aforesaid. It is further directed that in the event, the petitioner surrenders before the court of learned J.M.F.C., Barbil within three weeks from today in connection with to G.R. Case No.577 of 2026 corresponding to Joda P.S. Case No.148 of 2026, he shall be released on bail upon furnishing a bail bond of Rs.50,000/-(rupees fifty thousand) with one solvent surety for the like amount with such other conditions imposed as deemed just and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case. It is further directed that the release of the petitioner shall be subject to absence of similar antecedent against him. 5. Issue urgent certified copy of this order as per rules. (R.K. Pattanaik) Judge TUDU