1 2026:CGHC:16942 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRCA No. 549 of 2026 • Tekram S/o Mannulal Sahu Aged About 36 Years R/o Village Botesur , Police Station Singhanpuri Jangal, District- Kabirdham (C.G.) ... Applicant(s) versus • State of Chhattisgarh Through Forest Range Officer, Sahaspur, Lohara, District- Kabirdham (C.G.) ... Respondent(s) (Cause title is taken from Case Information System) For Applicant(s) : Mr. Ajit Singh, Advocate For Respondent(s) : Ms. Ankita Shukla, Panel Lawyer Hon'ble Mr. Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Order On Board 13.04.2026 1. This is first anticipatory bail application under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has been filed by the applicant, who is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No. POR No.21608/02 registered at Police Station – Forest Range, Sahaspur Lohara District - Kabirdham (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 9, 2, 50, 51 of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Section 3 of Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984. 2. Prosecution case in brief is that on 14.12.2025 based on a tip off VAISHALI LUCKY NAGARIA Digitally signed by VAISHALI LUCKY NAGARIA Date: 2026.04.15 11:10:25 +0530 2 received from an informant, the Forest Department conducted an inspection at Protected Forest Compartment No.292, Motipur Forest Forest Range Sahaspur Lohara, District Kabirdham (C.G.). During inspection, the carcass of a leopard (Panthera pardus) was found in a mutilated and decomposed state. The body was blackened, internal organs like intestines and kidneys were missing, the ears were cut, the upper part of the head was damaged, and three canine teeth and claws were missing. This indicated that the animal was killed unlawfully and possibly skinned for its parts. 3. Learned counsel for the applicant would submit that the applicant is innocent person and he has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution and he is falsely implicated in the present case. It is further submitted that the name of the present applicant does not mentioned in the FIR; he has been implicated in this case solely on the basis of the memorandum statement of a co-accused. He further submits that during the collection of evidence, the Dog Squad searched the residence of the co-accused, from where a GI wire and a country-made gun were recovered, and these items have been linked to the death of a leopard. He further points out that the co-accused have been released on bail by this Court in MCRC No. 2057 of 2026 vide order dated 19.03.2026. He further submits that applicant has no previous criminal antecedent, therefore he prays for grant of anticipatory bail to the present applicant. 4. On the other hand, learned State opposed the prayer for grant of anticipatory bail to the applicant and submits that applicant has no criminal antecedent and She could not disputed the fact the co- accused have been released on bail by this Court in MCRC No. 2057 of 2026 vide order dated 19.03.2026. 3 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused all of the documents taken on record. 6. Considering the facts & circumstances of the case, submissions of learned counsel for the parties, allegation levelled against the present applicant and further the fact that applicant has no any criminal antecedent and co-accused have been released on bail by this Court in MCRC No. 2057 of 2026 vide order dated 19.03.2026, therefore, I am inclined to extent the benefit of Section 482 of the B.N.S.S. to the applicant on the ground of parity. 7. Accordingly, the instant MCRCA is allowed and it is directed that in the event of arrest of the applicant – Tekram on executing a personal bond with one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the arresting Officer, he shall be released on bail on the following conditions:- (a) 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 from disclosing such fact to the Court. (b) The Applicant shall not act in any manner which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial. (c) 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. (d)The Applicant and the surety shall submit a copy of their adhaar card alongwith a colored postcard full size photo having printed the adhaar number on it, which shall be verified by the trial Court. (e)The Applicant shall not involve himself in any offence of similar nature in future. Sd/- (Ramesh Sinha) Chief Justice vaishali