1 2026:CGHC:23820 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 2999 of 2026 Sunil Kevat S/o Late Govid Kewat Aged About 23 Years R/o Mail Pipliya Post Umariya, P.S.- Khategaon, District- Devas Mp ...Applicant versus State Of Chhattisgarh Through P.S.- Nagarnaar, Distt. Bastar (Cg) ... Non-applicant For Applicant : Mr. Vikas A. Shrivastava, Advocate. For Non-applicant/State : Mr. Priyank Rathi, G.A. Hon'ble Mr. Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Order on Board 15.06.2026 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. 156/2025 registered at Police Station – Nagarnaar, District - Bastar (C.G.) for the offence under Section 20(B)(II)(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. 2. The prosecution case, in brief, is that on the basis of information received, the police of Thana Nagarnar conducted a search and VAIBHAV SINGH Digitally signed by VAIBHAV SINGH Date: 2026.06.15 17:53:05 +0530 2 seizure operation in connection with Crime No. 156/2025 registered under Section 20(b)(ii)(B) of the NDPS Act against the applicant/accused Sunil Kewat. During the course of the search, Assistant Sub-Inspector Mahendra Singh Thakur allegedly recovered one plastic sack and one bag from the possession of the accused. Upon examination, the plastic sack was found to contain four packets and the bag was found to contain five packets containing suspected contraband. On weighment, the seized substance was found to be 15.221 kilograms of ganja (cannabis). 3. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has no connection whatsoever with the alleged offence. It is contended that the allegations levelled by the prosecution are false, baseless and without any nexus to the applicant. The mandatory provisions of the NDPS Act have not been duly complied with in the present case. It is further submitted that nothing has been recovered from the possession of the applicant and that he has been falsely implicated by the police owing to an altercation with police personnel when he had visited the area as a tourist. The applicant is in judicial custody since 06.07.2025 and the charge-sheet has already been filed; therefore, his further custodial detention is not required for the purpose of investigation. It is also submitted that the applicant is a permanent resident of the address mentioned in the cause title and there is no likelihood of his absconding or tampering with the prosecution evidence. The applicant is ready and willing to furnish adequate surety and undertakes to abide by all such terms and conditions as may be imposed by this Hon'ble Court. Accordingly, it is prayed that the applicant be enlarged on bail. 3 4. On the other hand, learned counsel appearing for the State/non- applicant would oppose the bail application. 5. I have heard learned counsel appearing for the parties and perused the case diary. 6. Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case, particularly the fact that 15 kg of Ganja was allegedly recovered from the possession of the applicant, which is less than the commercial quantity prescribed under the NDPS Act, that the charge-sheet has already been filed before the competent Court, that the applicant has no previous criminal antecedents, and that he has been in judicial custody since 06.07.2025, and further considering that the conclusion of the trial is likely to take considerable time, this Court is of the view that the applicant is entitled to be released on bail. 7. Let the Applicant - Sunil Kevat involved in Crime No. 156/2025 registered at Police Station – Nagarnaar, District - Bastar (C.G.) for the offence under Section 20(B)(II)(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, be released on bail on furnishing personal bond with two local 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 4 court on each date fixed, either personally or through his counsel. In case of her absence, without sufficient cause, the trial court may proceed against him 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 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, (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 him in accordance with law. 8. Office is directed to send a certified copy of this order to the trial Court concerned for necessary information and compliance. - Sd/- (Ramesh Sinha ) Chief Justice vaibhav