IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No.852 of 2026 Ramachandra Sahoo …. Petitioner Mr. M.K. Pati, Advocate -Versus- State of Odisha & another …. Opposite Parties Mr. M.K. Mohanty, ASC Mr. K. Mohanty, Advocate for the Informant CORAM: MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK Order No. ORDER 16.04.2026 04. 1. Heard learned counsel for the respective parties. 2. Instant petition has been filed under Section 482 BNSS by the petitioners seeking pre-arrest bail in connection with Kakatpur P.S. Case No.311 of 2025 corresponding to G.R. Case No. 335 of 2025 pending in the court of learned J.M.F.C., Kakatpur on the grounds stated. 3. Referring to the payments made by the petitioner to the informant through PhonePe transactions as per Annexure-2 series and Annexure-3 series regarding the supply of materials to the informant by him. It is submitted by Mr. Pati, learned counsel appearing for him that the allegations in the FIR as per Annexure-1 by the victim are totally false. It is further submitted that false FIRs have been lodged by the informant earlier involving others and while claiming so, Mr. Pati, learned counsel refers to Annexure-4 series. It is submitted that the petitioner has approached this Court in CRLMC No.5677 of 2025 and therein interim protection has been granted vide I.A. No.3975 of 2025. Under the above circumstances, the submission of Mr. Pati, learned counsel is that the petitioner is entitled to pre-arrest bail. On the other hand, learned counsel for the State objected the bail plea of the petitioner referring to the nature of allegations revealed from the FIR at Annexure-1. Furthermore, the statement of the victim recorded under Section 183 BNSS is referred to while opposing the plea of the petitioner demanding bail. Learned counsel for the informant submits that another accused, namely, Ranjit Behera @ Ranjit Kumar Behera has been denied bail vide ABLAPL No.13447 of 2025 and therein, this Court has made an observation that the case diary, statement of the victim recorded under Section 183 BNSS and other materials do substantiate sending of nude photographs to her. The Court finds that the petitioner is on a lesser footing than the other accused named above. Considering the submissions of learned counsel for the respective parties and notwithstanding the plea of the petitioner with reference to Annexures-2 series and 3 series and for him having approached this Court in CRLMC No.5677 of 2025 but in view of the observation in ABLAPL No.13447 of 2025, it is not inclined to consider his plea for pre-arrest bail, however, is of the view that he should be granted the liberty to surrender before the learned court below seeking regular bail and in case of rejection to approach the Sessions Court for orders on the same day. 4. Accordingly, it is ordered. Page 3 of 3 5. In the result, the ABLAPL is disposed of with the direction as aforesaid. It is further directed that in the event, the petitioner surrenders within a fortnight from today and moves an application for bail in connection with G.R. Case No. 335 of 2025 arising out of Kakatpur P.S. Case No.311 of 2025 pending in the Court of learned J.M.F.C., Kakatpur, it is directed that the same shall be entertained during the first hour followed by an order and in the event of rejection, he has the liberty to approach the Sessions Court for orders during the second hour and for the said purpose, the lower court case record and other relevant papers shall be made available at the time of hearing. 6. Issue urgent certified copy of this order as per rules. (R.K. Pattanaik) Judge Balaram Designation: PERSONAL ASSISTANT