1 CGHC010256402026 2026:CGHC:32713 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRCA No. 1041 of 2026 Prakash Meshram S/o Shri Dama Ji Meshram Aged About 56 Years R/o 8/ A, Ward No. 49, Vidhut Nagar, Durg, Tehsil And Distt. Durg, Chhattisgarh. ... Applicant versus State Of Chhattisgarh Through The Inspector Station House Officer, Economic Offence Wing/ Anti Corruption Bureau Raipur, Distt. Raipur, Chhattisgarh. ... Respondent For Applicant : Mr. Mayank Kumar, Advocate. For Non-applicant/State : Mr. Sumit Singh, Dy. A.G. Hon'ble Mr. Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Order on Board 29.07.2026 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.55/2009 registered at Police Station – Economic Offence Wing/Anti Corruption Bureau Raipur District - Raipur (C.G.) for the offences punishable VAIBHAV SINGH Digitally signed by VAIBHAV SINGH Date: 2026.07.30 12:18:49 +0530 2 under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 120(B) of the IPC and Sections 13(1)(D) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. 2. The prosecution case, in brief, is that on the basis of a complaint made by the then Member of Parliament, Rajnandgaon, alleging irregularities in the recruitment of 135 posts of Shiksha Karmi Grade-III for the year 2007-2008, a preliminary enquiry bearing No. 03/2008 dated 18.03.2008 was registered by the State Economic Offences Investigation/Anti-Corruption Bureau, Raipur against the present applicant, who was then posted as Chief Executive Officer, Janpad Panchayat, Khairagarh, along with three other officials. It is alleged that out of 123 selected candidates, several candidates had submitted forged documents, which were not duly verified by the Screening Committee. During the enquiry, forged experience certificates, sports certificates, NCC certificates and educational qualification certificates of 89 candidates were examined, out of which the records of 31 candidates were verified. The prosecution alleges that the applicant, in conspiracy with the co-accused and by abusing his official position, deliberately manipulated the marks and selected 31 ineligible candidates without proper verification of their documents, thereby extending undue benefit to them. On the basis of these allegations, Crime No. 55 of 2009 was registered against the applicant and co- accused for offences punishable under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of the IPC and Sections 13(1)(d) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The investigation is stated to be pending 3. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case and that the 3 allegations arise from a politically motivated complaint regarding the recruitment of Shiksha Karmi Grade-III in the year 2007-08. It is submitted that the applicant was only one member of the duly constituted Selection Committee and the recruitment process had already commenced before he assumed charge, while the scrutiny and verification of certificates were entrusted to the competent authorities. It is further submitted that objections were invited, necessary corrections were made, and the final selection was carried out collectively in accordance with the prescribed procedure. No allegation has been made that the applicant forged any document, received any illegal gratification, or obtained any personal benefit, nor has any incriminating material or money been recovered from him. Learned counsel further submits that although the FIR was registered in 2009, the applicant was contacted by the Investigating Officer only in June 2026, after an unexplained delay of nearly seventeen years, and he has always cooperated with the investigation. The applicant has an unblemished service record of more than 28 years, no criminal antecedents, deep roots in society, and is presently serving as a Government officer. It is also submitted that there is no material showing any criminal conspiracy or meeting of minds with the co-accused and that custodial interrogation is not necessary. The applicant undertakes to cooperate with the investigation, remain available before the Investigating Officer as and when required, not influence any witness or tamper with evidence, and abide by all conditions imposed by this Hon'ble Court. Therefore, considering the prolonged delay, the applicant's clean service record, absence of criminal antecedents, and the 4 circumstances of the case, it is prayed that the applicant be granted the benefit of anticipatory bail. 4. On the other hand, learned State counsel opposed the anticipatory bail application of the applicant. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the case diary. 6. Considering the rival submissions, the case diary and the material available on record, the allegations relate to the recruitment process of the year 2007-08, when the applicant was posted as Chief Executive Officer, Janpad Panchayat, Khairagarh. The applicant has no criminal antecedents, has an unblemished service record and has cooperated with the investigation. There is no material showing receipt of any illegal gratification or personal benefit by him, and custodial interrogation does not appear necessary. Considering the long lapse of time and the overall facts and circumstances of the case, this Court is of the considered opinion that the applicant is entitled to anticipatory bail. Accordingly, the application is allowed. 7. Accordingly, the instant MCRCA is allowed and it is directed that in the event of arrest of the applicant – Prakash Meshram, on executing a personal bond and one local 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 5 Court. (b) he shall not act in any manner which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial. (c) he shall appear before the trial Court on each and every date given to him by the said Court till disposal of the trial. (d) the applicant and the surety shall submit a copy of his adhaar card along with a coloured 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 vaibhav