1 2026:CGHC:16711 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 1623 of 2026 Lakki Yadav @ Lakku S/o Shri Ramayan Yadav Aged About 23 Years R/o Kumharpara Karbala, Bilaspur, P.S. City Kotwali, District Bilaspur (C.G.) ... Applicant versus State Of Chhattisgarh Through The Police Station City Kotwali, District Bilaspur (C.G.) ... Respondent(s) For Applicant : Mr. Ritesh Verma, Advocate For Respondent(s) : Ms. Sameeksha Gupta, Panel Lawyer Hon’ble Shri Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Order on Board 10/04/2026 1. The applicant has preferred this First Bail Application under MADHURIMA THAKUR Digitally signed by MADHURIMA THAKUR Date: 2026.04.10 17:47:16 +0530 2 Section 483 of BNSS, 2023 for grant of regular bail, as he has been arrested in connection with Crime No. 687/2025, registered at Police Station- City Kotwali, District- Bilaspur (CG) for the offence punishable under Sections 25 and 27 of Arms Act. 2. The prosecution case, in brief, is that on 20.12.2025, on the basis of a secret information, the police reached near Karbala, Kotu Chowk, where the applicant was found allegedly brandishing a sharp-edged knife and threatening passersby. The applicant was apprehended on the spot and upon being asked to produce valid documents for possession of the weapon, he failed to do so. Consequently, an offence under Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act was registered. After completion of investigation, the charge- sheet has been filed and the case is presently fixed for arguments on charge. 3. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. It is argued that the applicant was called by the police from his house on the pretext of obtaining his signature and has been falsely roped in the case. It is further submitted that the applicant is in judicial custody since 20.12.2025 and the trial is likely to take considerable time. It is also submitted that the applicant is a permanent resident and there is no likelihood of his absconding. He is ready to abide by all the conditions as may be imposed by this Court. 4. Learned counsel for the State opposes the bail application and 3 submits that the applicant has nine criminal antecedents and is a habitual offender. It is contended that if released on bail, there is a strong likelihood of the applicant indulging in similar offences again, thereby affecting public order. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the case diary. 6. It is not disputed that the applicant is in judicial custody since 20.12.2025. The charge-sheet has already been filed and the case is presently at the stage of consideration of charge. Therefore, further custodial interrogation of the applicant is not required. Although the applicant has criminal antecedents, it is a settled principle of law that antecedents alone cannot be the sole ground to deny bail, particularly when the trial is likely to take considerable time for its conclusion. The object of bail is to secure the presence of the accused during trial and not to detain him as a measure of punishment before conviction. 7. Considering the totality of facts and circumstances of the case, the nature of allegations, the period of detention, the filing of the charge-sheet, this Court is of the considered view that it is a fit case to extend the benefit of bail to the applicant, without commenting on the merits of the case. 8. Let the Applicant- Lakki Yadav @ Lakku, involved in Crime No. 687/2025, registered at Police Station- City Kotwali, Bilaspur (C.G.) for the aforesaid offences be released on bail on their 4 furnishing a personal bond each with two local sureties in the like sum to the satisfaction of the Court concerned with the following conditions:- (i) The applicant shall file an undertaking to the effect that he shall not seek any adjournment on the dates fixed for evidence when the witnesses are present in court. In case of default of this condition, it shall be open for the trial court to treat it as abuse of liberty of bail and pass orders in accordance with law. (ii) The applicant shall remain present before the trial court on each date fixed, either personally or through his counsel. In case of his absence, without sufficient cause, the trial court may proceed against them under Section 269 of Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023. (iii) In case, the applicant misuses the liberty of bail during trial and in order to secure their presence, proclamation under Section 84 of BNSS, is issued and the applicant fail to appear before the court on the date fixed in such proclamation, then, the trial court shall initiate proceedings against him, in accordance with law, under Section 209 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 5 2023. (iv) The applicant shall remain present, in person, before the trial court on the dates fixed for (i) opening of the case, (ii) framing of charge and (iii) recording of statement under Section 351 BNSS. If in the opinion of the trial court absence of the applicants is deliberate or without sufficient cause, then it shall be open for the trial court to treat such default as abuse of liberty of bail and proceed against them in accordance with law. 9. Office is directed to send a copy of this order to the trial Court for necessary information and compliance forthwith. Sd/- (Ramesh Sinha) Chief Justice Madhurima