1 2026:CGHC:26379 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRCA No. 947 of 2026 Atul Kumar Verma S/o- Late Romnath Verma, Aged About 44 Years Presently Posted On The Post Of Branch Manager Seva Sahkari Samiti Maryadit Kumhali Patan District- Durg (C.G.) R/o- Village Borid, Tehsil Patan, District- Durg (C.G.) ... Applicant versus State Of Chhattisgarh Through The P.S. Jamgaon (R), District- Durg (C.G.) ... Respondent For Applicant : Shri Purnendra Khichariya, Advocate. For Respondent/State : Ms. Vaishali Mahilong, Dy.G.A. Hon'ble Shri Ramesh Sinha , Chief Justice Order on Board 29/06/2026 1. This first anticipatory bail application under Section 482 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has been filed by the applicant, who is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No.49/2026 GOURI MUDALIAR Digitally signed by GOURI MUDALIAR Date: 2026.06.29 20:18:27 +0530 2 registered at Police Station – Jamgaon (R), District- Durg (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Section 316(5) of B.N.S. 2023. 2. Case of the prosecution, in brief, is that on 21.05.2026 at about 21:58 PM the police station Jamgaon(R) has registered the FIR against the present applicant who is the Branch Manager of the Kumhli Seva Sahkari Samiti (Paddy Procurement) that on 23.04.2026 physical verification was conducted by the FCI and Cooperative Society wherein it was found that 690.70 quintals of paddy and 3057 rice bags were deficit from the paddy purchase in the society for the year 2025- 2026 on the said complaint the FIR was registered against the present applicant for the offence committed under section 316(5) of BNS, 2023. 3. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the case. It is argued that the alleged shortage of paddy occurred due to delay in lifting the stock by the Marketing Federation/Marketing Association and not because of any act or omission on the part of the applicant. The paddy remained stored in the open for about 42 days and, due to natural drying and climatic conditions, there was a reduction in weight. It is further submitted that, under the tripartite agreement, the responsibility for timely lifting and transportation of paddy lies with the Marketing Association, and any dispute arising therefrom is required to be resolved through arbitration. The applicant has not committed any irregularity in paddy procurement. It is also submitted that in a similar matter this Court has already granted anticipatory bail to the applicant. The applicant is a government servant, a permanent resident, and there is no likelihood of his absconding or tampering with the 3 prosecution evidence. Therefore, it is prayed that the applicant be granted anticipatory bail. 4. On the other hand, learned State counsel, appearing for the non - applicant/State, opposes the prayer for grant of anticipatory bail. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the materials available on record. 6. Considering the facts & circumstances of the case, submission of learned counsel for the parties, materials available on record, considering the nature of allegation levelled against the applicant and also considering the fact that investigation and trial are likely to take some time, without commenting anything on the merits of the case, I am inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the present applicant. 7. Accordingly, the instant MCRCA is allowed and it is directed that in the event of arrest of the applicant – Atul Kumar Verma, on executing a personal bond and one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the arresting Officer, he shall be released on bail on the following conditions:- (a) The applicant shall not directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case so as to dissuade him from disclosing such fact to the Court. (b) The applicant shall not act in any manner which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial. (c) The applicant shall appear before the trial Court on each 4 and every date given to him by the said Court till disposal of the trial. (d) The applicant and the surety shall submit a copy of his adhaar card along with a coloured postcard full size photo having printed the adhaar number on it, which shall be verified by the trial Court. (e) The applicant shall not involve himself in any offence of similar nature in future. Sd/- (Ramesh Sinha) Chief Justice gouri