Extracted from the PDF above. The PDF is authoritative.
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CGHC010210602026
2026:CGHC:28647
NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 4986 of 2026 • Vineet Ghritlahare S/o Late Bodhan Ghritlahare Aged About 22 Years R/o Village Amera, Police Station Palari, District Balodabazar- Bhatapara (C.G.)
... Applicant(s) versus • State of Chhattisgarh Through Police Station Palari, District Balodabazar-Bhatapara (C.G.)
... Respondent(s) For Applicant(s) : Mr. Pragalbh Sharma, Advocate For Respondent(s) : Ms. Ankita Shukla, Panel Lawyer Hon'ble Shri
Ramesh Sinha
, Chief Justice
Order on Board 09.07.2026
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. 146/2026, registered at Police Station – Palari, District – Balodabazar- Bhatapara (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Section 34(2) of C.G. Excise Act. 2. The case of the prosecution, is that 03.04.2026, acting upon a secret informant's tip, the police team of P.S. Palari, Dist- Balodabazar- Bhatapara cordoned off the canal road near the Scheduled Caste Hostel. The applicant, riding a black TVS NTORQ Scooty VAISHALI LUCKY NAGARIA Digitally signed by VAISHALI LUCKY NAGARIA Date: 2026.07.09 18:21:49 +0530
2 (Unregistered/Sold), was intercepted. Upon searching a Vimal Pan Masala zipper bag kept on the vehicle, the police allegedly, recovered 100 quarters of "Romeo Desi Masala Liquor" totalling 18 bulk liters. Consequently, the contraband and vehicle were seized, and the applicant was arrested for transporting illicit liquor without a valid permit by the police of station Palari, District- Balodabazar- Bhatapara (C.G.)., for the alleged offence punishable under section 34(2) of C.G. Excise Act, 1985. Hence, this bail application. 3. It is argued by the learned counsel for the applicant that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this case and there are five criminal antecedents and two istagasa has been registered against the present applicant and details of the same are mentioned in the bail application at Part-D. It is further submitted that the charge-sheet has been filed in this case. He further submits that under Section 34(2) of the Excise Act, minimum punishment is one year and maximum punishment is three years. The applicant is in jail since 03.04.2026 and trial is likely to take some time for its conclusion, therefore, he prays for grant of bail. 4.
On the other hand, the learned State counsel opposes the bail application and submits that are five criminal antecedents and two istagasa has been registered against the present applicant and details of the same are mentioned in the bail application at Part-D. She further submits that the charge-sheet has been filed in this case. It is further submitted that a total of 18 bulk liters of liquor has been seized from the possession of the present applicant, therefore, he is not entitled for grant of bail. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused all of the
3 documents available on record. 6. Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case, nature and gravity of allegation levelled against the applicant and the fact that there is only one criminal antecedents under the Excise Act registered against the applicant, charge-sheet has been filed against the applicant and he is in jail since 03.04.2026 and conclusion of the trial is likely to take some time, I am inclined to allow this application. 7. Let applicant, Vineet Ghritlahare, involved in Crime No.146/2026, registered at Police Station – Palari, District – Balodabazar- Bhatapara (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Section 34(2) of C.G. Excise Act, 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 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 applicant fails to appear before the court on the date fixed in such proclamation, then, the trial
4 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
Vaishali