1 CGHC010272312026 2026:CGHC:30679 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRCA No. 1129 of 2026 1 - Devkinandan Kaushik S/o Govind Prasad Kaushik Aged About 33 Years R/o Village Khamharia, Post Kathakoni, Bilaspur Distt. Bilaspur Chhattisgarh ... Applicant(s) versus 1 - State of Chhattisgarh Through P.S. D.D. Nagar (Range Cyber) Raipur, District Raipur Chhattisgarh ... Respondent(s) For Applicant(s) : Mr. B.L. Dembra, Advocate For Respondent(s)/State : Ms. Anusha Naik, Dy. G.A. Hon'ble Mr. Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Order on Board 20.07.2026 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.424/2025 registered at Police Station – D.D. Nagar (Range RUCHI YADAV Digitally signed by RUCHI YADAV 2 Cyber), Raipur District- Raipur (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 111, 317(2), 317(4), 317(5) and 3(5) of BNS, 2023. 2. The prosecution story, in brief, is that the complainant lodged a written report alleging that certain unknown persons had created fake matrimonial profiles on social media platforms, namely Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, under the names "Jeewan Jodi Matrimonial" and "Royal Rishtey.com", using the names of Vinita Manikpuri and Devkinandan Kaushik. It was alleged that photographs of women along with mobile numbers were uploaded to induce prospective victims to deposit money. During investigation, it was found that a total amount of ₹17,97,790/- had been collected through several bank accounts allegedly operated by the main accused, Sahil Kumar Kaushik. It was further alleged that the present applicants were engaged in uploading data on the social media platforms at the instance of the main accused. On the basis of the said complaint, the present crime was registered against the applicants and other co-accused persons for the aforesaid offences. 3. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. It is contended that the applicant has no criminal antecedents. It is further submitted that the investigation has been completed and the charge-sheet has already been filed and, therefore, no custodial interrogation of the applicant is required. Learned counsel further submits that the co-accused persons have already 3 been granted regular bail by this Court vide order dated 22.01.2026 passed in MCRC Nos. 9036 of 2025 and 9602 of 2025 and vide order dated 12.03.2026 passed in MCRC Nos. 1225 of 2026 and 1791 of 2026. It is submitted that the case of the present applicant stands on the same footing as that of the said co-accused and, therefore, the applicant is entitled to the benefit of parity. Accordingly, it is prayed that the applicant be enlarged on anticipatory bail. 4. On the other hand, learned State counsel vehemently opposes the prayer for grant of anticipatory bail and submits that the name of the present applicant has surfaced in the memorandum statement of the main accused. It is contended that the material collected during the course of investigation prima facie discloses the involvement of the applicant in the alleged offence. Therefore, the anticipatory bail application deserves to be rejected. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the material available on record. 6. Considering the overall facts and circumstances of the case, particularly the fact that the applicant has no criminal antecedents, the charge-sheet has already been filed, coupled with the fact that the co-accused persons have already been granted regular bail by this Court and no distinguishing feature has been pointed out by the State to deny the benefit of parity, this Court is of the considered opinion that the applicant is entitled to the grant of 4 anticipatory bail. Accordingly, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the application is allowed. 7. Accordingly, the instant MCRCA is allowed and it is directed that in the event of arrest of the applicant – Devkinandan Kaushik 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) he 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) he shall not act in any manner which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial. (c) he shall shall appear before the trial Court on each and every date given to her by the said Court till disposal of the trial. (d)The Applicant and the surety shall submit a copy of their adhaar card along with a colored postcard full size photo having printed the adhaar number on it, which shall be verified by the trial Court. (e) he shall not involve himself in any offence of similar nature in future. Sd/- (Ramesh Sinha) CHIEF JUSTICE Ruchi