1 CGHC010372702026 2026:CGHC:43514 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRCA No. 1580 of 2026 Lucky Pahuja Son Of Kamlesh Pahuja, Aged About 22 Years Resident Of House Number M. I. G. Colony Amlidih, Raipur, District - Raipur (C.G.) --- Applicant versus State Of Chhattisgarh Through The Police Of Police Station - New Rajendra Nagar, District - Raipur (C.G.) --- Respondent (Cause title is taken from CIS system) For Applicant : Mr. Akash Ahuja, Advocate For Respondent/State : Ms. Prachi Singh, P.L. Hon'ble Shri Justice Parth Prateem Sahu Order On Board 07/10/2026 1. This is the first bail application filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short ‘BNSS’) for grant of anticipatory bail to the applicant who is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No. 62 of 2026 registered at Police Station New Rajendra Nagar, District – Raipur (C.G.) under Section 7 of C.G. Gambling Prohibition Act, 2022 and Section 112 (2) of B.N.S., 2023. 2. The case of the prosecution, in brief, is that, based on information received on 13.02.2026 at about 1:30 PM regarding online betting, an BALRAM PRASAD DEWANGAN Digitally signed by BALRAM PRASAD DEWANGAN 2 inquiry was conducted, during which the co-accused, namely Vishal Dhamecha and Saurabh Panjwani, were found to be engaged in online betting in an organized manner. The allegation against the applicant is that he had purchased an ID of All Panel Exchange App, through which betting was allegedly conducted. 3. Learned counsel for applicant submits that applicant is innocent and he has been falsely implicated in this case. Applicant has been implicated only on the basis of the memorandum statement of co- accused. Applicant has not committed any offence as alleged. He also submits that there is no criminal antecedents against applicant. Hence, applicant may be extended benefit of anticipatory bail. 4. Learned State counsel opposes the submission of learned counsel for applicant and would submit that according to memorandum statement of co-accused, applicant has purchased ID of All Panel Exchange App to which batting have been played. Hence, applicant is also involved in the commission of crime. Upon asking, she submits that there is criminal antecedents against applicant. 5. At this stage, learned counsel for applicant submits that persons whose name is mentioned in the FIR have already been enlarged on bail. 6. I have heard learned counsel for parties and perused the documents placed on record. 7. Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case, the nature of allegation, submission made by learned counsel for respective parties, without commenting anything on merits of the case, I am inclined to release the applicant on anticipatory bail. 3 8. Accordingly, the anticipatory bail application is allowed. It is directed that in the event of arrest of the applicant in connection with the aforesaid offence, he shall be released on anticipatory bail by the officer arresting him on his executing a personal bond in the sum of Rs.25,000/- with one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the concerned arresting officer. Applicant shall also abide by the following conditions:- (i) that the applicant shall make himself available for interrogation before the investigating officer as and when required; (ii) that the applicant 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/her from disclosing such facts to the Court or to any police officer; (iii) that the applicant shall not act, in any manner, which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial; and (iv) that the applicant shall appear before the trial Court on each and every date given to him by the said Court till disposal of the trial. Certified copy as per rules. Sd/- (Parth Prateem Sahu) Judge Balram