IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No. 1679 of 2026 Pintu @ Mahadeb Sahoo …. Petitioner Mr. B.P.Nanda, Advocate -Versus- State of Orissa …. Opposite Party Mr. M.K.Mohanty, ASC CORAM: MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK Order No. ORDER 24.03.2026 01. 1. Heard learned counsel for the respective parties. 2. Instant petition under Section 482 BNSS is filed seeking pre-arrest bail of the petitioner in connection with Talcher PS Case No.68 of 2026 pending in the file of learned SDJM, Talcher corresponding to G.R. Case No.141 of 2026 on the grounds stated. 3. Perused the FIR as at Annexure-1. It is submitted to the Court that the petitioner is the owner of the alleged vehicle involved in illegal transportation of coal. The further submission is that the present accused is entangled on the basis of the confessional statement of the co-accused, who is on bail by the order of learned Additional Sessions Judge, Talcher in B.A. No. 45 of 2026 dated 5th February, 2026. It is claimed that the petitioner is involved in one more case on the same day after seizure of another vehicle owned by him. Recorded the objection of the State. A copy of the order in B.A. by the learned Sessions court is produced, which is in respect of the driver, namely, Sudam Seikh, who was caught at the spot. It has been alleged that coal was being transported without authority and was intercepted by the local police. The petitioner being the owner of the vehicle in question claims innocence. Having regard to the above facts and submissions of learned counsel for the respective parties, even if it is not case for pre- arrest bail but having regard to the claim of having no past antecedent except one more case registered on 24th January, 2026 itself, this Court is inclined to direct the petitioner to surrender before the learned court below for being released with stringent conditions. 4. Accordingly, it is ordered. 5. In the result, the ABLAPL is disposed of with the direction as aforesaid. In the event, the petitioner surrenders before the court of learned SDJM, Talcher within a fortnight from today, it is directed that he shall be released on bail in connection with G.R. Case No. 141 of 2026 corresponding to Talcher PS Case No.68 of 2026 on furnishing a bail bond of Rs.50,000/-(rupees fifty thousand) with one solvent surety for the like amount with the following conditions, such as, he shall furnish an undertaking to ensure that his vehicles are not used for such illegal purposes in future; to not tamper with the evidence during investigation; and to attend the P.S. and report the I.O. once in fifteen days’ time preferably on Sunday between 10.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. for the purpose of investigation and to continue to do so, till it is over. 6. Issue urgent certified copy of this order as per rules. (R.K. Pattanaik) Judge kabita