IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No. 357 of 2026 Sk. Gufran Alli …. Petitioner Mr. R. C. Maharana, Advocate -Versus- State of Orissa …. Opposite Party Mr. M.K. Mohanty, ASC CORAM: MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK Order No. ORDER 20.01.2026 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 G.R. Case No.787 of 2025 pending in the file of learned J.M.F.C (R), Cuttack arising out of Jagatpur P.S. Case No.342 of 2025 on the grounds stated. 3. Perused the FIR as at Annexure-1 and it reveals that the alleged mischief was committed by unknown miscreants, who burnt down a plastic godown. The petitioner had earlier approached vide ABLAPL No.12024 of 2025 and it was disposed of by order dated 1st December, 2025 at Flag-B directing his release upon surrender within the stipulated period subject to verification of the criminal antecedent. Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the present accused is having one more criminal case but not of similar antecedent, hence, had approached this Court in I.A. No.2240 of 2025 disposed of with the liberty granted for him to make a fresh application seeking pre-arrest bail. Recorded the objection of the State. The alleged mischief as revealed from the FIR i.e. Annexure-1 is said to have been committed by unknown culprits. Considering the same and the above facts and order in ABLAPL No.12024 of 2025 dated 1st December, 2025, this Court is of the view that the petitioner should be directed to surrender within the extended period subject to verification and absence of more than one criminal antecedent against him. 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 J.M.F.C,(R), Cuttack within a fortnight from today, it is directed that he shall be released on bail in connection with G.R. Case No.787 of 2025 corresponding to Jagatpur P.S. Case No.342 of 2025 with such other conditions imposed by the court concerned as deemed just and proper and in the facts and circumstances of the case besides the following, such as, he shall not be involved in any such criminal activities after being released on bail. The above order, as is further directed, shall be given effect to only if the petitioner does not have more than one criminal antecedent. 6. Issue urgent certified copy of this order as per rules. (R.K. Pattanaik) Judge Rojina Designation: Junior Stenographer