1 CGHC010364842026 2026:CGHC:44016 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 8740 of 2026 Suraj Manikpuri S/o Late Amardas Manikpuri Aged About 28 Years R/o Ward No. 07, Karra Para, Bagbahra, Tahsil Bagbahra, District Mahasamund (C.G.). ... Applicant versus State Of Chhattisgarh Through- Station House Officer, P.S. Bagbahra, District- Mahasamund (C.G.). ... Non-applicant For Applicant : Mr. Divyanshu Shukla, Advocate For Non-applicant : Ms. Priya Sharma, Panel Lawyer Hon’ble Shri Justice Rakesh Mohan Pandey Order on Board 12/10/2026 1. This is the first bail application filed by the applicant under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) for grant of regular bail. The applicant has been arrested in connection with Crime No. 163/2026 registered at Police Station – Bagbahra, District Mahasamund (C.G.) for an offence punishable under Section 34(2) of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act. 2. The prosecution case in brief is that an illicit quantity of 9 bulk litres of country-made liquor was allegedly seized from the possession of the applicant, thereafter, he was arrested and offence under Section 34(2) of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act was registered. 2 3. Learned counsel appearing for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has falsely been implicated in the present case. It is submitted that though the applicant has one prior criminal antecedent from the year 2023 registered under Section 34(1) of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act, he has already been acquitted in the said matter. It is further submitted that the investigation is complete, the charge-sheet has already been filed, and the applicant has been in judicial custody since 26.08.2026. As the trial is likely to take some time for its conclusion, the applicant may be released on regular bail. 4. On the other hand, learned counsel appearing for the State opposes the bail application and submitted that keeping in view the nature of allegations and seizure of illicit liquor, the applicant is not entitled to be enlarged on bail. 5. Heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the case diary. 6. Considering the totality of the facts and circumstances of the case, particularly the quantity of liquor alleged to have been seized (9 bulk litres); the applicant has already been acquitted in the single criminal antecedent under Section 34(1) of the Excise Act; the charge-sheet has already been filed; the applicant is in jail since 26.08.2026; and the conclusion of the trial is likely to take some time; without commenting on the merits of the case, this Court is inclined to release the applicant on regular bail. Accordingly, the bail application 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 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, 3 (ii) he shall not act in any manner which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial, and (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. 8. The observation made hereinabove is for the purpose of deciding this bail application only, the trial Court shall decide the case on its own merits. Sd/- Rakesh Mohan Pandey JUDGE Nadim