1 CGHC010310902026 2026:CGHC:35693 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRCA No. 1303 of 2026 1 - Banti @ Nikhil Sahu S/o Late Ramesh Kumar Sahu Aged About 22 Years R/o Village Jaraundha, Thana - Takhatpur, District Bilaspur Chhattisgarh ... Applicant(s) versus 1 - State Of Chhattisgarh Through The Station House Officer, Police Of Police Station Takhatpur, District Bilaspur Chhattisgarh ... Respondent(s) For Applicant(s) : Mr. Bhagat Ram Ijardar, Advocate For Respondent(s)/State : Mr. Shubham Bajpai, Panel Lawyer Hon'ble Mr. Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Order on Board 12.08.2026 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. 417/2026 registered at Police Station Takhatpur, District Bilaspur (C.G.), for the RUCHI YADAV Digitally signed by RUCHI YADAV 2 offences punishable under Sections 305(A) and 331(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. 2. The prosecution case, in brief, is that the complainant, namely Marmeet Singh Saluja, lodged a report at Police Station Takhatpur on 08.07.2026 alleging theft of grocery items and cash from his grocery shop by an unknown person. During investigation, some co-accused persons were identified, and thereafter the name of the present applicant surfaced in connection with the alleged incident. Accordingly, the offence under Sections 305(A) and 331(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, was registered against the applicant and other co- accused persons. 3. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. It is further submitted that the applicant has not committed any act as alleged by the prosecution and has no criminal antecedents. Accordingly, it is prayed that the applicant be granted the benefit of anticipatory bail. 4. On the other hand, learned State counsel opposes the anticipatory bail application and submits that looking to the nature of the alleged offence and the material available on record, the applicant does not deserve the benefit of anticipatory bail. Accordingly, it is prayed that the present anticipatory bail application be dismissed. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the material available on record. 6. Taking into consideration the entire facts and circumstances of the case, the submissions made by learned counsel for the parties, the nature of the allegations, the material available on record and the fact 3 that the applicant has no criminal antecedents, this Court is of the considered view that the applicant deserves to be extended the benefit of anticipatory bail. 7. Accordingly, the instant MCRCA is allowed and it is directed that in the event of arrest of the applicant – Banti @ Nikhil Sahu 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 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