1 CGHC010255162026 2026:CGHC:27971 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 6016 of 2026 Prem Kumar Dhurandhar S/o Keshav Dhurandhar Aged About 23 Years R/o H No. 186/d, Risali Sector, P.S. Newai, District Durg Chhattisgarh ... Applicant versus State Of Chhattisgarh Through The Station House Officer, Police Station Dindayal Nagar, District – Raipur, Chhattisgarh ---- Non-applicant For Applicant : Ms. Sweksha Sharma, Advocate. For Non-applicant/State : Mr. Shailendra Sharma, Panel Lawyer. Hon'ble Shri Ramesh Sinha , Chief Justice Order on Board 07.07.2026 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. 157/2026, registered at Police Station – Dindayal Nagar, District – Raipur (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 326(f), 326(g), 238(b), 61(1) and 3(5) of the BNS. 2. The case of the prosecution, is that on 27.02.2026, the complainant had parked two vehicles near his house namely a Maruti Brezza and a Hyundai Venue. It is alleged that at about 02:10 AM, one Shreyansh Pandey, residing behind the complainant's house, noticed that both the vehicles were on fire and informed the complainant. Upon coming outside, the complainant found both vehicles engulfed in flames and, with the help of others, managed to extinguish the fire. It is further RAJSHEKHAR SONI Digitally signed by RAJSHEKHAR SONI 2 alleged that unknown persons, in furtherance of a conspiracy, intentionally set fire to both vehicles, causing a loss of approximately Rs. 10- 12 lakhs. Hence, this 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 4 criminal antecedents of the applicant out of which one is disposed of and three are pending. It is further submitted that the charge-sheet has been filed in this case and the co-accused Rahul Kumar Verma has been granted anticipatory bail by this Court vide order dated 30.04.2026 passed in MCRCA No.642/2026. The applicant is in jail since 31.03.2026 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 and submits that there are 4 criminal antecedents of the applicant out of which one is disposed of and three are pending, the charge-sheet has been filed in this case, and the applicant is not entitled for grant of bail. 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, nature and gravity of allegation levelled against the applicant and the fact that there are 4 criminal antecedents of the applicant out of which one is disposed of and three are pending, the charge-sheet has been filed in this case and the co-accused Rahul Kumar Verma has been granted anticipatory bail by this Court vide order dated 30.04.2026 3 passed in MCRCA No.642/2026, the applicant is in jail since 31.03.2026 and conclusion of the trial is likely to take some time, I am inclined to allow this application. 7. Let applicant – Prem Kumar Dhurandhar, involved in Crime No. 157/2026, registered at Police Station – Dindayal Nagar, District – Raipur (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 326(f), 326(g), 238(b), 61(1) and 3(5) of the BNS, 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 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 4 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 Rajshekhar