2026:JHHC:21535 --1-- A.B.A. No. 2625 of 2026 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND, RANCHI A.B.A. No. 2625 of 2026 ---- Sandip Kumar @ Sandip Kumar Poddar, aged about 30 years, son of Late Arjun Poddar, resident of village – Sonaraithari, PO and PS – Sonaraithari, District – Deoghar, Jharkhand .... Petitioner -- Versus -- 1. The State of Jharkhand 2. Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd. through Assistant Electrical Engineer, Electricity Supply Sub-Division Sarath, PO and PS – Sarath, District - Deoghar .... Opposite Parties ---- CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR DWIVEDI --- For the Petitioner :- Mr. Sudhanshu Kr. Deo, Advocate For the State :- Mrs. Ruby Pandey, Advocate For the JBVNL :- Mr. Nilesh Kumar, Advocate ---- 06/21.07.2026 Heard learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, learned counsel appearing for the State and learned counsel appearing for the JBVNL. 2. Learned counsel appearing for the State submits that the matter was on the board and in view of that counter affidavit has not been filed in the Registry. 3. In view of his such submission, the said counter affidavit has been taken on record. 4. The petitioner is apprehending his arrest in connection with Sonaraithari P.S. Case No.02 of 2026, for the alleged offences 2026:JHHC:21535 --2-- A.B.A. No. 2625 of 2026 registered under Sections 135 and 138 of Indian Electricity Act, pending in the Court of learned Additional Sessions Judge-I-cum- Special Court, Deoghar. 5. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that false allegations are made of theft of electricity to the tune of Rs.1,87,997/-. He further submits that the meter is installed in the name of mother of the petitioner and before the installation of said meter there were no dues. He further submits that bill has been annexed and there is no dues on the said meter. On these grounds, he submits that anticipatory bail may kindly be granted. 6. Learned counsel appearing for the State and JBVNL opposed the prayer and submits that allegations are there of theft of electricity and loss of the Electricity Department to the tune of Rs.1,87,999/- 7. Mr. Nilesh Kumar, learned counsel appearing for the JBVNL submits that the petitioner is utilizing the electricity in absence of any meter and the mother’s meter is being utilized for the portion of the building which mother is using. He further submits that in absence of any meter the petitioner has utilized the electricity to the tune of Rs.1,87,997/-. 8. In reply, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is ready to deposit 50% of the said amount without prejudice to the right and contention and in view of that anticipatory bail may kindly be granted. 2026:JHHC:21535 --3-- A.B.A. No. 2625 of 2026 9. In view of the above and considering the nature of dispute, the petitioner is directed to produce receipt of Rs.93,998.5/- of JBVNL before the learned Court at the time of surrender within three weeks from today, and in the event of his surrender/arrest, the petitioner, above named, shall be released on bail, on furnishing bail bond of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand), with two sureties of the like amount each, subject to showing the receipt of deposit of Rs.93,998.5/-, to the satisfaction of learned Additional Sessions Judge-I-cum-Special Court, Deoghar in connection with Sonaraithari P.S. Case No.02 of 2026, subject to the conditions as laid down under Section 482(2) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. (Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi, J.) Dated 21.07.2026 Sangam/