1 CGHC010376412026 2026:CGHC:41659 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 9009 of 2026 1 - Anil Sarthi S/o Shiv Sarthi, Aged About 27 Years R/o Ghughari Road Atal Awas, Gram Ghusharikala, P.S. Kawardha, District Kabirdham (C.G.) ... Applicant versus 1 - State Of Chhattisgarh Through Station House Officer, Police Station Kawardha, District Kabirdham (C.G.) --- Non-applicant For Applicant : Mr. Kamlesh Patel, Advocate For Non-applicant : Mr. Sourabh Sahu, PL Hon’ble Shri Justice Rakesh Mohan Pandey Order On Board 25.09.2026 1) The applicant has preferred this first bail application under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), in connection with Crime No. 82/2026, registered at Police Station Kawardha, District Kabirdham (C.G.), for the offences punishable under Sections 34(1)(a) and 34 (2) of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act. 2) The case of the prosecution, in brief, is that the police of Police Station Kawardha (C.G.), received information from the informant and on the basis of said information, conducted a raid and seized 10.080 bulk litre of country-made liquor from the possession of the applicant. 2 Thereafter, the police registered the aforesaid offence against the present applicant. 3) Mr. Patel, learned counsel appearing for the applicant would submit that the applicant has falsely been implicated in the present case. He would further submit that though there are five criminal antecedents against the present applicant but in four criminal cases, the applicant has already been acquitted, while in one case registered under the Gambling Act, he was sentenced to pay a fine. He would also submit that the applicant is in jail since 28.02.2026, the charge-sheet has been filed, and the conclusion of the trial is likely to take some time; therefore, he prays for the grant of regular bail to the present applicant. 4) On the other hand, learned State counsel would oppose the bail application and submit that the charge-sheet has already been filed before the competent Court. He would further submit that 10.080 bulk litre of country-made liquor were seized from the possession of the present applicant and the applicant has three criminal antecedents, therefore, he is not entitled to the grant of regular bail. 5) I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the material case diary. 6) Having considered the quantity of liquor seized from the possession of the present applicant, and further considering that though there are five criminal antecedents against the present applicant but in four criminal cases, the applicant has already been acquitted, while in one case registered under the Gambling Act, he was sentenced to pay a 3 fine, and the charge-sheet has been filed, the applicant is in jail since 28.02.2026, and the likelihood of the trial taking considerable time to conclude, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, I am inclined to grant bail to the applicant. Accordingly, the bail application filed under Section 483 of the BNSS, 2023 is allowed. 7. It is directed that in the event of the applicant executing a personal bond for a sum of Rs.50,000/- with one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the concerned trial Court, he shall be released on bail on the following conditions:- (i) 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; (ii) he shall not act in any manner which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial, & (iii) he shall appear before the trial Court on each and every date given to him by the said Court till disposal of the trial. The observation made hereinabove is for the purpose of deciding this bail application only, the learned trial Court shall decide the case on its own merits. Sd/- (Rakesh Mohan Pandey) JUDGE Rekha