IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No. 7996 of 2026 1. Damodar Rout 2. Ajay Kumar Palei …. Petitioners Mr. P.C. Jena, Advocate -versus- State of Odisha …. Opposite Party Mr. S.K. Lenka, ASC CORAM: JUSTICE V. NARASINGH Order No. ORDER 22.07.2026 01. 1. Heard learned counsel for the Petitioners and learned counsel for the State. 2. The Petitioners are seeking pre-arrest bail in connection with G.R. Case No. 653 of 2026 pending on the file of learned S.D.J.M., Khurda, arising out of Khurda P.S. Case No.295 of 2026 for commission of offences punishable under Sections 303(2)/ 305(e)/ 329(3)/ 3(5) of B.N.S. and Section 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 read with Section 51 of the OMMC Rules, 2016. 3. Learned counsel for the State opposes the prayer for pre-arrest bail. 4. Considering the nature of allegation, it is directed that on surrendering within three weeks hence and moving for bail, the Petitioners shall be released on bail by the learned Court in seisin on such terms as deemed just and proper subject to verification of criminal antecedent of similar nature. 5. If it comes to the fore that the Petitioners have any such criminal antecedent, this order shall not be given effect to. 6. It is needless to state that the Petitioners shall cooperate with the ongoing investigation. 7. The ABLAPL is accordingly disposed of. (V. NARASINGH) Judge Ayesha