1 CGHC010329122026 2026:CGHC:38172 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRCA No. 1410 of 2026 Sanjay Chhapadia S/o Late Shri Madanlal Chhapadia Aged About 51 Years Male R/o Hospital Lane, Ward No. 6, Masjid Lane, Bargarh, District Bargarh, Odisha ... Applicant versus State Of Chhattisgarh Through Station House Officer, Police Station Pithora, District Mahasamund Chhattisgarh ... Non-Applicant For Applicant : Shri Chandresh Shrivastava, Advocate. For Non-Applicant : Shri SS Baghel, GA. Hon'ble Shri Ramesh Sinha , Chief Justice Order on Board 25/08/2026 1. This first anticipatory bail application under Section 482 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has been filed by the applicant, who is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No.172/2026 registered at Police Station – Pithora, District- Mahasamund (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections KRISHNA KUMAR BARVE Digitally signed by KRISHNA KUMAR BARVE Date: 2026.08.26 13:54:47 +0530 2 318 (4), 338, 336 (3), 340 (2), 61 (2), 3 (5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (for short ‘BNS’). 2. The prosecution story, in brief, is that on the basis of written complaint dated 04.07.2026 made by Forest Range Officer, Pithora, Distt. Mahasamund (C.G.) alleging that on 17.06.2026 a vehicle bearing Registration No.CG-07-CM-5860 was transporting approximately 23,350 kilograms of Khair wood, the police intercepted the said vehicle near Pithora and police has registered a criminal case, and that the driver of the vehicle produced an NTPS (National Transit Pass System) No Objection Certificate bearing No. AP/KU/K/KU-160 dated 14.06.2026 in support of the transportation. Pursuant thereto, the concerned police has registered FIR. Hence, the bail application. 3. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. He further submits that co-accused have already been released on anticipatory bail vide orders dated 21.8.2026 & 11.8.2026 passed in MCRCA Nos.1374/2026 & 1289/2026 respectively and therefore on the ground of parity, the applicant may also be released on bail. 4. On the other hand, learned State counsel opposes the prayer for grant of anticipatory bail to the applicant. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused all of the documents taken on record. 3 6. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, and the fact that co-accused have already been released on anticipatory bail vide orders dated 21.8.2026 & 11.8.2026 passed in MCRCA Nos.1374/2026 & 1289/2026 respectively, as such, this Court is inclined to extend the benefit of anticipatory bail to the applicant on the ground of parity. 7. Accordingly, the instant MCRCA is allowed and it is directed that in the event of arrest of the applicant – Sanjay Chhapadia, on executing a personal bond with 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 should 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 should not act in any manner which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial. (c) he should 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 sureties shall submit a copy of their adhaar card alongwith a colored postcard full size photo having printed the adhaar number on it, which shall be verified by the trial Court. (e) He should not involve himself in any offence of similar nature in future. Sd/- (Ramesh Sinha) CHIEF JUSTICE Barve