1 CGHC010318122026 2026:CGHC:37171 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRCA No. 1343 of 2026 1 - Narendra Khatri S/o Rikhamchand Khatri Aged About 32 Years R/o Lormi, P.S. Lormi, District- Mungeli (C.G.) ... Applicant(s) versus 1 - State of Chhattisgarh Through The Station House Officer, Police Station Lormi, District- Mungeli (C.G.) ... Respondent(s) For Applicant(s) : Mr. Hariom Rai, Advocate For Respondent(s)/State : Ms. Ankita Shukla, Panel Lawyer Hon'ble Mr. Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Order on Board 19.08.2026 1. This is the first anticipatory bail application filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, by the applicant, who apprehends his arrest in connection with Crime No. 320/2026, registered at Police Station Lormi, District Mungeli (C.G.), for the offences punishable under Sections 115(2), 296, 75 and 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. RUCHI YADAV Digitally signed by RUCHI YADAV 2 2. As per the prosecution story, in brief, it is alleged that the prosecutrix lodged a complaint against the present applicant, alleging that the applicant established physical relations with her at different places after administering an intoxicating substance to her. It is further alleged that when the prosecutrix asked the applicant to marry her, he abused her in filthy language and threatened her with dire consequences. It is also alleged that the applicant assaulted the prosecutrix. On the basis of the aforesaid allegations, Crime No. 320/2026 was registered against the applicant for the offences punishable under Sections 115(2), 296, 75 and 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Hence, this bail application. 3. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. It is submitted that even if the prosecution case is taken at its face value, the essential ingredients of the alleged offences are not made out. The relationship between the applicant and the prosecutrix was consensual and dates back to the year 2023 and the prosecutrix had voluntarily accompanied the applicant to different places. It is further submitted that the present FIR was lodged after the relationship did not culminate in marriage. The applicant had also made complaints dated 10.12.2025 and 08.06.2026 before the SHO, Police Station Lormi, alleging threats of suicide and false implication by the prosecutrix. The applicant has no criminal antecedents, is ready to cooperate with the investigation and abide by any condition imposed by this Court. Hence, it is prayed that the applicant be granted anticipatory bail. 4. Per contra, learned State counsel opposes the application and submits that the allegations against the applicant are serious in nature. It is 3 submitted that the statement of the prosecutrix recorded under Section 183 of the BNSS substantially supports the prosecution case, wherein she has alleged that the applicant established physical relations with her after administering an intoxicating substance on the pretext of marriage and subsequently threatened and assaulted her. Learned State counsel submits that the allegations require proper investigation and, therefore, the applicant does not deserve the benefit of anticipatory bail. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the material available on record. 6. Having considered the entire facts and circumstances of the case, this Court finds that the relationship between the applicant and the prosecutrix is stated to have continued since the year 2023 and, according to the material placed on record, the parties had also discussed marriage and had travelled together to different places. The applicant has also placed on record the complaints allegedly made by him prior to registration of the present case. The applicant has no criminal antecedents. At this stage, without expressing any final opinion on the allegations made by the prosecutrix regarding the alleged administration of an intoxicating substance or the nature of consent, the overall circumstances of the case, the longstanding relationship between the parties, the applicant's antecedent-free record and his willingness to cooperate with the investigation persuade this Court to extend the benefit of anticipatory bail to the applicant. Accordingly, without commenting upon the merits of the case, this Court is of the considered view that the applicant is entitled to the benefit of anticipatory bail. 4 7. Accordingly, the instant MCRCA is allowed, and it is directed that, in the event of arrest of the applicant Narendra Khatri, in connection with Crime No. 320/2026, registered at Police Station Lormi, District Mungeli (C.G.), for the offences punishable under Sections 115(2), 296, 75 and 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, he shall be released on bail upon executing a personal bond and furnishing one surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the arresting Officer, subject to 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 such person from disclosing such facts to the Court. (b) He shall not act in any manner which may be prejudicial to a fair and expeditious trial. (c) He shall appear before the Trial Court on each and every date fixed by the said Court till disposal of the trial. (d) The applicant and the surety shall submit a copy of their Aadhaar cards along with a full-size coloured postcard photograph bearing the printed Aadhaar number, which shall be verified by the Trial Court. (e) He shall not involve himself in any offence of a similar nature in future. Sd/- (Ramesh Sinha) CHIEF JUSTICE Ruchi