p. 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No. 2904 of 2026 Bhanu Mahalik …. Petitioner Mr. A.R. Panda, Advocate -versus- State of Odisha …. Opposite Party Mr. C.R. Swain, AGA CORAM: JUSTICE V. NARASINGH Order No. ORDER 23.04.2026 01. 1. Heard learned counsel for the Petitioner and learned counsel for the State. 2. The Petitioner is seeking pre-arrest bail in connection with C.T. Case No. 581 of 2025 pending on the file of learned J.M.F.C.(City), Balasore, arising out of Bampada (Industrial Area) P.S. Case No.177 of 2025, for commission of offences punishable under Sections 296/ 115(2)/ 118(1)/ 109(1)/ 303(2)/ 324(4)/ 333/ 3(5) of B.N.S. Act 2023. 3. It is submitted by the learned counsel that the Petitioner has not been cited as an accused. Hence, considering the same and since the charge sheet in the case at hand been filed, Petitioner may be protected by pre-arrest bail. 4. It is also stated that the Petitioner does not have any criminal proclivity. p. 2 5. Learned counsel for the State opposes the prayer for pre-arrest bail. 6. Taking into account the nature of allegations, it is directed that on surrendering within three weeks hence and moving for bail, the Petitioner shall be released on bail by the learned Court in seisin on such terms as deemed just and proper subject to verification of criminal antecedent of similar nature and the nature of the injury. 7. If it comes to the fore that the injured has suffered any grievous injury and the Petitioner has any such criminal antecedent, this order shall not be given effect to. 8. It is needless to state that the Petitioner shall cooperate with the ongoing investigation. 9. The ABLAPL is accordingly disposed of. 10. UCC as per rules. (V. NARASINGH) Judge Santoshi