1 2026:CGHC:151 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 8392 of 2025 Sarjuram Baghel S/o Chhotku Ram Baghel Aged About 48 Years R/o Village Fandwani, Tahsil Mungeli, District - Mungeli, Chhattisgarh. ... Applicants versus State of Chhattisgarh Through Station House Officer, Police Station Fasterpur, District Mungeli, Chhattisgarh. ... Non-Applicant For Applicants : Mr. Sourav Agrawal, Advocate. For Non-Applicant/State : Mr. Dharmesh Shrivastava, Deputy Advocate General. Hon'ble Shri Ramesh Sinha , Chief Justice Order on Board 02.01 .202 6 1. The applicant has preferred this First Bail Application under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for grant of regular bail, as he has been arrested in connection with Crime No. 65/2025, registered at Police Station – Fasterpur, District - Mungeli, (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 318(4), 316(5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. 2. As per the prosecution’s story, the applicant, while functioning as the Incharge of the Paddy Procurement Center at Tarvarpur, District Mungeli (C.G.), purchased paddy at the said center. During inspection, a shortage of 2,097.64 quintals of paddy was found, as a result of which the present FIR was lodged. PREETI KUMARI Digitally signed by PREETI KUMARI Date: 2026.01.03 14:27:20 +0530 2 3. It is argued by the learned counsel for the applicant that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this case. He further submitted that against the applicant neither allegation about cheating or embezzlement of the stock of the paddy, allegation is that about shortage of stock, hence alleged offences has not been constituted. He further submitted that the charge-sheet has been filed in this case and the applicant is in jail since 07.10.2025 and trial is likely to take quite long time for its conclusion, therefore, he prays for grant of bail. 4. On the other hand, the learned State counsel opposes the bail application of the applicant. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused all of the documents available on record. 6. Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case, the nature and gravity of the allegations levelled against the applicant, and the fact that the applicant has no previous criminal antecedents, further the charge-sheet has been filed in the present case and the applicant is in jail since 07.10.2025, and the conclusion of the trial is likely to take some time, this Court is of the view that the applicant is entitled to be granted regular bail in this case. 7. Accordingly, the bail application is allowed. Let applicant - Sarjuram Baghel, involved in Crime No. 65/2025, registered at Police Station – Fasterpur, District - Mungeli, (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 318(4), 316(5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, be released on bail on his furnishing a 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 3 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 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 his presence, proclamation under Section 84 of BNSS. is issued and the applicants 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 forthwith. Sd/- (Ramesh Sinha) Chief Justice Preeti